Spurs reportedly want ‘wonderful’ World Cup striker compared to R9 and Real Madrid won’t stand in their way
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with AC Milan and Portugal star Rafael Leao in recent months.
Back in October, Calciomercato.it claimed that Spurs are one of several clubs eyeing the 23-year-old.
As well as Tottenham, the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea are apparently in pursuit of Leao too.
However, Real Madrid have ruled themselves out of the equation, according to a new report from Marca.
The Spanish outlet claims agent Jorge Mendes has offered Leao to Los Blancos.
However, ‘Madrid’s answer has always been no’.
While this is good news for Tottenham, several more hurdles remain.
- Chelsea Advised Against Sacking Mauricio Pochettino as Arsenal Seek to Capitalize
- Erik ten Hag Reacts to Jadon Sancho’s Form at Borussia Dortmund Dortmund
- Two Arsenal Wonderkids Could Alter Edu’s Transfer Plans, Triggering Five Potential Big Exits
- Ian Maatsen Expresses Desire to Stay at Borussia Dortmund Permanently, Informs Chelsea
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As well as competition from other top sides, Milan are reportedly confident that Leao will be signing a new deal.
That said, the forward could well find himself with some huge offers coming his way after the World Cup.
Leao hasn’t been starting regularly for Portugal, but he’s still been making a big impact, with two goals to his name.
BBC Sport pundit Rob Green loved what he saw from the reported Tottenham target against Switzerland.
“He is a player of outstanding ability,” he said on Radio 5 Live, via the BBC Sport website.
“If you have seen him play for AC Milan you know that is a Rafael Leao goal.
“He is a talent to bring off the bench, blimey. He is a proper talent. Another wonderful goal.”
‘The power of Ronaldo’
In January, Stefano Pioli was asked if Leao can reach the heights of Kylian Mbappe, as per SempreMilan.
The Milan manager responded with another comparison, stating that Leao remains him of Thierry Henry.
“He reminds me so much of Henry,” Pioli said of the £132million-clause talent.
“I think he has to convince himself and work hard on his head to try to be ambitious.
“One with his means must think of reaching the top of the world, but talent isn’t enough.
“He has understood that he has to work in a certain way.”
Meanwhile, teammate Fikayo Tomori told The Athletic that Leao is ‘electric’ and ‘has everything’.
And Tiago Fernandes, his coach at Sporting Lisbon, compared him to the legendary Brazil star Ronaldo.
“Leao has the power of Ronaldo, he has the talent to solve matches on his own,” Fotmob quotes Fernandes as saying.
“He reminds me of the ‘Phenomenon’ with speed, technique and explosiveness in decisive moments.
“Qualities that this season have emerged every game to drag Milan towards great results.”
