Chelsea set to be joined by Man City in January transfer move for Rafael Leao after AC Milan rejected summer approach

MANCHESTER CITY are set to join Chelsea in the hunt for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports.

San Siro technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed the Blues had an approach for the winger knocked back in the summer.

And now City are hoping to pounce.

The 23-year-old is "liked" by Pep Guardiola and his Premier League champions, according to Calciomercato.

But Guardiola and Co will face stiff competition from Chelsea if they decide to swoop for the Portugal international.

Exciting winger Leao was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout the course of the summer.

Reports claimed the Blues had lodged a late offer for Leao in the final days of the window.

And AC Milan technical director Maldini has revealed an official bid never arrived, but the Blues did discuss an informal offer.

The proposal was immediately rebuffed by the Serie A champions.

Maldini told Sky Italia, via SempreMilan: "Rafa knows that to become even stronger the solution is to stay with us. We are a young and growing team.

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"We intend to do great things and grow with him. If he then reaches a higher level than Milan, we can think about it.

"An official offer from Chelsea never arrived, but on an informal level it did. Of course, it was refused."

Leao has not let the speculation get to him with the winger enjoying a stunning start to the campaign.

The winger has scored three goals and provided six assists in just eight games this season.

But in a blow to Chelsea and City, AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed the club intend to offer Leao a new contract.