Graham Potter previously claimed he wouldn't talk about players at other clubs, but has talked up AC Milan's Rafael Leao amid ongoing transfer speculation.
The new Chelsea boss, who has only been in his post a matter of weeks, secured his first Champions League win last week as the Blues saw off the Italians ahead of their return game on Tuesday night. Potter has faced a host of questioning since he swapped Brighton for Chelsea.
Among those is what his arrival could mean for the club's recruitment policy. Chelsea spent a record amount in the summer on the likes of Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana as they looked to freshen up their squad. One new owner Todd Boehly in particular was keen on was Cristiano Ronaldo.
Thomas Tuchel didn't share his enthusiasm and poured water on the possibility of him making a move to Stamford Bridge. Potter's arrival could potentially change that, but he refused to entertain that question previously. He said last week: "We can spend all day with these questions but I'm not going to speak about this. If they are not out players, I am not going to speak to them.”
Despite taking that stance, Potter has been prepared to talk, albeit briefly, about Milan's impressive forward, who continues to attract attention. Leao scored 14 times last term as Milan claimed the Serie A title and already has four goals in 11 outings this season.
When questioned about the Portuguese star Potter said: "The player you mentioned is part of that team. You can see his quality and what he brings. He's part of a strong team, a strong club and a strong set-up, and we respect that."
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Milan have been forced to watch some of their biggest names depart, many of them to Europe's biggest and wealthiest clubs. They cannot financially compete with other outfits and have seen Franck Kessie and Gianluigi Donnarumma leave in successive summers.
Despite that San Siro chief Paolo Maldini is confident that Leao will stay put with a new contract in the pipeline. He said: “He (Leão) is a raw talent. He arrived when he was 20 years old, and I remember how I felt at that age. These guys arrive very young and need support. There is the will to renew his contract, as well as those of Bennacer and Kalulu, then you have to sit at the table and negotiate. I believe that AC Milan is the ideal club for the full development of Rafa’s career.”
Chelsea can go top of their Champions League group with a win in Italy, provided Red Bull Salzburg drop points in their game, as they look to secure qualification into the knockout stage.
