Manchester City are reportedly a big fan of Portugal’s forward.

Manchester City are reportedly preparing an audacious swap deal with AC Milan in order to secure the services of Rafael Leao.

Leao has shone at Milan this season scoring seven goals and grabbing nine assists in 20 appearances for the Italian giants. The 23-year-old’s appearances were limited to cameos off the bench at the World Cup but that did not stop him making an impact against Ghana and Switzerland.

Pep Guardiola is thought to be a big fan of the winger and according to Calciomercato, he is set to offer Jack Grealish to the San Siro club in a swap deal. This would be a surprising move considering that the former Aston Villa man only joined City in 2021 for £100m.

Grealish’s deal runs out in 2027 while Leao’s contract expires in 2024. Milan are therefore in a weaker position to secure their star man’s future.

However, the Serie A club are thought to be unimpressed by the approach by City due to Grealish’s form at the Etihad Stadium, his age and the fact he is reportedly earning £15m per year. Elsewhere, Real Madrid are thought to be looking at stealing a march on City in the race to sign Jude Bellingham.

Marca is reporting in Spain that Carlo Ancelotti’s men have requested that Bellingham does not sign a contract extension at Borussia Dortmund in a move made to express their interest. Madrid are believed to be concerned that Liverpool and City are also keen on the teenager.

MEN Sport understands that Erik ten Hag is an admirer of Bellingham too and that he is willing to put a second approach together in order to bring the ex-Birmingham City man to Manchester United.

SOURCE: manchestereveningnews.co.uk