Chelsea now 'in discussions' over £127m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have been locked in discussions with AC Milan and are pushing to land Rafael Leao at Stamford Bridge ahead of the September 1 deadline, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Blues suffered their first defeat of the season when they were put to the sword by Leeds United at the weekend, but head coach Thomas Tuchel could make adjustments to his squad while the summer window remains open.

According to The Times, Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Leao and club-to-club negotiations were held over the weekend.

The report suggests the nine-cap Portugal international is keen on moving to the Premier League and the possibility of a deal which would involve Blues stars heading in the opposite direction has been discussed with AC Milan.

However, it is understood that the Serie A giants are unwilling to sell Leao unless the £127million release clause written into his contract is met.

The winger has reportedly been high on Chelsea’s list of targets since the transfer window reopened for business and is coveted by the west Londoners’ hierarchy.

Leao has been deep in negotiations with AC Milan over a new long-term contract for some time, but an agreement has not been reached so far.

Jones understands that Chelsea have been in discussions with AC Milan over Leao since it became clear that the Serie A giants hold an interest in Stamford Bridge wide-man Hakim Ziyech.

The transfer insider believes the Blues have been locked in talks since and discovered what it would take to get the deal over the line.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Chelsea spoke to Milan about Leao when the Italians were in for Hakim Ziyech.

“That’s when they first found out the terms it would take to sign him and what Milan’s stance was on him. It’s been