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AC Milan grow confident over Rafael Leao renewal as Lille assume Portuguese star’s debt

AC Milan have achieved a major breakthrough in contract talks with Rafael Leao, whose future is the subject of intense speculation.

The Portuguese forward’s contract expires in 2024, and Milan are working around the clock to extend his deal.

With the contract talks dragging on for months, there has been growing fear among the Rossoneri faithful whether Leao would stay in Milan amid interest from several European heavyweights.

Milan previously tabled an offer worth around €7.5 million, but the €19m debt Leao owed to Sporting CP when he terminated his contract in 2018 was a stumbling block.

Leao demanded Milan cover that fee, which put a huge dent in the renewal talks.

However, Record claims Leao’s former club Lille have paid his debt, allowing Milan to overcome a major obstacle in the extension talks.

Milan manager Stefano Pioli and the hierarchy remain confident over Leao’s future as they have repeatedly stated that he would agree to a new deal.

There were concerns over his form after he experienced a drop-off in recent games, which coincided with Milan’s struggles.


However, he issued a statement to his critics with a stunning double in the 4-0 win over Napoli in Serie A last week.

The 23-year-old was at his absolute best on the night at Diego Maradona Stadium, as the league leaders had no answer to his brilliance.

He will bid to carry on the momentum, with Milan battling for a top-four finish and scheduled to face Napoli in the Champions League quarter-finals next week.

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