Rafael Leao has told AC Milan that he wants to stay despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester City, according to Paolo Maldini.

The Rossoneri director has indicated that talks to extend Leao’s contract are stalled due to an ongoing disagreement with Sporting CP, to whom he reportedly owes £13.8 million after leaving to join Lille in 2018.

Despite the fact that the Portuguese striker has emerged as a £134 million target for the Premier League giants, Maldini remains confident in his future with Milan.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, that Leao is in a terrible situation as a result of his relocation to Lille, which has had a significant impact on him and resulted in frequent changes in our interlocutors.

“But Rafa thanks us, and I’m interested in what he says to us. He recognizes that his future path must lead to Milan, and he tells us so.

“There will be a negotiation, but we understand that good players need to be compensated. If the squad grows further, Leao will have all he needs to compete to his full potential.

“Of course, there are no non-transferable players at any team around the world.”