Chelsea are hopeful of luring Rafael Leao to Stamford Bridge as they have emerged as the 'frontrunners' if AC Milan are willing to sanction his departure, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

Having been appointed as the Blues' head coach in September, Graham Potter will be handed an opportunity to freshen up his squad during the January window.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Chelsea transfer news - Rafael Leao

Chelsea appear to have received a boost in their pursuit of Leao as, according to Sky Sports Germany - via Football Transfers - he is unwilling to pen a contract extension at AC Milan after they have failed to meet his demands.

The report suggests the winger is seeking a deal worth more than £6million-per-year and the impasse has put the Blues, along with Real Madrid and Manchester City, on red alert.

AC Milan are desperate to tie Leao down to fresh terms as he is set to enter the final 18 months of his current agreement, which is worth £28,000-per-week, at the turn of the year.

Calciomercato have revealed that the Serie A giants are willing to sell the 23-year-old for £86million if he has not put pen-to-paper by the time the winter transfer window opens for business next month.

Journalist Simon Phillips has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Leao's 'head has been turned' by Chelsea's interest and, as a result, he has been keen to hold off committing his long-term future to AC Milan.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Leao?

Jones understands that Leao's recent social media activity has led to further optimism that the Portugal international will join Chelsea.

The journalist believes the west Londoners are in pole position to strike a deal if it becomes clear that a move away from the San Siro is on the cards.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Chelsea have great interest in Leao and there is some hope over landing him, especially after he briefly followed them on social media the other day!

"But Milan are so desperate not to lose him right now because replacing him will be hard.

"Chelsea are the frontrunners, though, if this opens up. We will have to see how this goes over the next couple of weeks."

How did Leao perform at the World Cup?

Although Leao failed to make any starts at the World Cup, he still made an impact as Portugal progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition.

According to Sofascore, the wide-man found the back of the net every 44 minutes as he scored during substitute appearances against Ghana and Switzerland.

Statistics also show that Leao won 100 per cent of the aerial duels he was involved in, which emphasises that he was a threat from set pieces despite only being handed an average of 18 minutes on the pitch per outing.

He earned praise from Ian Wright during his time in Qatar as, via MailOnline, the ITV pundit claimed Leao was 'dynamic' after coming off the bench against Switzerland and his goal was 'beautiful'.

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