Barcelona, Manchester City 'suffer blow in pursuit of Rafael Leao'

AC Milan are reportedly becoming increasingly confident of signing Rafael Leao to a new contract over the next few weeks.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for his Italian club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 11 times and registering six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Leao's current deal at San Siro is due to expire in June 2024, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Barcelona and Manchester City are two of the clubs believed to be interested in signing the Portugal international during this summer's transfer window.

However, according to journalist Nicolo Schira, Milan are now on the verge of reaching an agreement with the attacker over a new contract at the club.

Schira claims that Leao will be offered terms until June 2026, with the forward's salary also set to be raised to €4.5m (£3.8m) a year plus bonuses.

The Portuguese has scored 24 goals and registered 15 assists in 105 appearances for Milan since joining the Italian giants from Lille in August 2019.