Why Rafael Leao's AC Milan exit all but confirmed as Leeds United discount on the cards
Leeds United could be moving closer to an extraordinary deal for Rafael Leao.
The 27-year-old AC Milan forward has been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.
With Daniel Farke prioritising quality additions over quantity, Leao could be the icing on their transfer cake.
Leao has scored 80 times in 293 games for Milan, and his arrival could tip Leeds towards being potential European football contenders this season.
However, a deal for the 49-cap Portuguese international will be tough for the Whites to complete for financial and rival interest reasons.
But a fresh development out of Italy might just have made their route to his signature considerably easier.
How much do AC Milan now want for Leeds-linked Rafael Leao?
Leeds have reportedly tabled a £42.7million offer for Leao, as they attempt to put an eye-catching bow on their impressive transfer window.
If that is indeed the case, it may well be that the Whites are now in danger of overpaying for the forward.
Italian outlet Calciomercato has claimed that Milan have dropped their asking price from £51.3m to £38.4m.
All of a sudden, Leeds may not have to fork out another record fee to sign Leao following the arrival of James Trafford.
The report also claims that Milan are seeking either a permanent transfer, or an initial loan deal but with the obligation to buy included.
It's also claimed within the report that the coming days are going to be decisive, namely regarding his possible move to the Turkish Super Lig.
The positive news doesn't stop there for Leeds though, as Milan are set to show why Leao isn't going to be with the Rossoneri for much longer.
What impact crunch Milan meeting will have on Leao's future
This story of Leao's possible Milan exit is a classic case of no smoke without fire, and things are heating up further in Italy.
As per the aforementioned Calciomercato report, Leao is claimed to be a player still very much on the way out of the club.
It's reported that whilst he's not yet been scribbled out of Ruben Amorim's plans entirely, a meeting with owner Gerry Cardinale is set to seal his fate.
They claim that Milan's 2026-27 season, which starts this Sunday against Torino, will begin without Leao.
It's stated that barring any major surprise, the Serie A winner will be in pastures new come September.
So, with Milan preparing for life without him and their asking price reportedly falling, now must be the time for Leeds to strike.
What a forward line Farke could have at his disposal with Leao, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Wilson, Brenden Aaronson etc.