What Ruben Amorim has said about Leeds-linked Rafael Leao as game decision made
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has been quizzed on the future of Leeds United-linked Rafael Leao.
The 27-year-old has been widely linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.
He doesn't appear to have a long-term future in Milan, and could be ready to find a new home before the transfer deadline.
Leao can operate as a striker or out on the wing, and would provide Daniel Farke with an elite forward to bolster his attack.
However, given his pedigree and the finances involved, striking a deal for the Portuguese international was always going to be complicated for Leeds.
And, ahead of Milan's Serie A opener against Torino, Amorim has dropped a major update on a potential exit timeline.
Will Rafael Leao be involved for AC Milan vs Torino this weekend?
Leao reportedly held a meeting with AC Milan bosses on Friday in order to determine whether or not he'll be leaving this summer.
Both parties seem to be interested in parting ways, thus potentially opening the door for Leeds to swoop in imminently.
Milan's first Serie A game of 2026-27 is on Sunday, in which they will travel to Turin to take on Torino.
Speaking via Calciomercato ahead of it, Milan boss Amorim fielded a question relating to Leao's future in Italy, and whether he'd play any part this weekend.
"(Rafael) Leao isn't important right now," he said. "Tomorrow's match is important.
"He's not ready to play, but he's our player. All the others are ready. I have no news on the players leaving.
"The important thing is to win tomorrow. Leao won't be there tomorrow, we'll see in the future."
So, with Amorim far from shutting down talk of a move away for Leao, what is his contract status in Milan?
Why AC Milan are in difficult position with Leao contract
Given he's in the prime of his career and has proven himself to be an elite player in the Serie A, Milan should fetch a pretty penny for Leao if he's sold.
However, the Italian giants may be inclined to cash in on the forward this summer, as his contract status presents a potentially troublesome situation.
Leao is tied down with the Rossoneri until the summer of 2028, so the longer he remains in Milan on this deal, his transfer value may start naturally falling soon.
Should the Serie A side decide to keep him beyond this summer and 2026-27 doesn't go to plan for him, Milan could be looking at far less money for him this time next year.
So, Leeds may well have a strong chance of securing his signature if they firm up their interest before the 1 September deadline.