Chelsea have been boosted in their pursuit of Rafael Leao as the AC Milan star's 'head has been turned' by the Stamford Bridge interest and he is stalling on signing a new contract, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The winger, who is currently at the World Cup with Portugal, is among Blues boss Graham Potter's targets ahead of the January transfer window.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Chelsea transfer news - Rafael Leao
According to Italian media outlet Milan News, Leao will hold discussions over a new contract when he returns from the World Cup.
The report suggests AC Milan are readying an offer of fresh terms worth more than £6million-per-season in a bid to fend off interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.
The Serie A giants are desperate to tie Leao down to a new deal as he is set to enter the final 18 months of his agreement, which is worth £28,000-per-week, at the turn of the year.
Calciomercato have previously revealed that AC Milan could sell the 23-year-old if he has not put pen-to-paper by the time the January transfer window opens for business and a bid worth close to £86million is tabled.
Journalist Carlo Garganese has told GIVEMESPORT that Chelsea are ‘still in touch’ with Leao’s current employers as their interest is refusing to go away.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Simon Phillips said about Leao?
Phillips understands that Leao has held off penning a new AC Milan contract as Chelsea's interest has caught his eye.
The journalist believes the wide-man will not rush into signing on the dotted line at the San Siro.
Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: "He's been quite keen to hold off signing a new contract with the interest from other clubs, especially Chelsea because his head has been turned by that.
"He's not wanted to rush anything with his contract talks."
How has Leao performed at the World Cup?
Portugal international Leao has been formidable in the final third of the pitch, with Sofascore statistics showing he has averaged a goal every 34 minutes at the World Cup.
Data also shows that he has won 100 per cent of his aerial duels since arriving in Qatar, underlining that he is capable of being a major threat from crosses.
Heading into Saturday’s quarter-final against Morocco, Leao has been restricted to just 62 minutes of action and he will feel he deserves more opportunities to impress on the sport’s biggest stage.
That is emphasised by the fact the AC Milan talisman found the back of the net and gained a 7.4 match rating in an eight-minute cameo appearance as Fernando Santos’ side sealed a 6-1 victory over Switzerland earlier this week.
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