Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of AC Milan and Portugal star Rafael Leao as Manchester United have tipped their focus onto a striker, according to reports.
The Blues remain fond admirers of the attacker and have been fiercely linked with winning the race to acquire the talented player. Already this season he has 11 goal contributions in 14 Serie A appearances, six goals and five assists, as Stefano Pioli's side defend the Scudetto.
He found the back of the net in Portugal's group opener against Ghana, taking him just three minutes to open his account in international football's most prestigious tournament.
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Chelsea were looking to make an attacking addition towards the end of a summer transfer window and the possibility of acquiring Leao emerged. They held initial talks before they cooled and were reignited again before the deadline passed.
Thomas Tuchel and current manager Graham Potter got a first-hand look at the 23-year-old as he featured in both of their Champions League encounters against the Blues.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has cooled United's interest in Leao, citing that Erik ten Hag's focus on finding a striker amid Anthony Martial's fitness struggles and the abrupt exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Leao's father, Antonio Leao, discussed his future to Portuguese outlet Record in November. He said: "The answer is: we are working on it.
"We are dealing with it, because Rafael Leao has a contract that ends in 2024," he added when asked about a new deal or a move to Stamford Bridge.
"Until that date, we are dealing with all of that. Without Chelsea, without Barcelona, without Real Madrid, we are dealing with that.
"Rafael loves being in Italy. He has an affection for the Italians that the Portuguese don’t have for him. He won the trophy for best player in Serie A not because he’s handsome, but because he’s the best."
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