Milan plot means to stave off losing Leao on free transfer

AC Milan are reportedly considering a one-year contract extension for Rafael Leao to ward off prying eyes while they remain on the negotiation table for a longer deal. 

The 23-year-old's contract is set to expire next season, and although he is open to continuing at Milan, the details are complicated, prompting both parties to consider a one-year extension while they work out the kinks of a longer deal.

GetfootballNewsItaly reports that Milan and Rafael Leao representatives are weighing up the option of a one-year contract extension. 

Both parties are interested in intertwining their future for the long term; however, negotiations have stalled over Leao's debt to Sporting Lisbon. 

The Portuguese forward unilaterally terminated his contract and joined Lille in 2019 after a violent incident with fans who stormed the training pitch.

Lille went on to sell the Portugal international to Milan for €23 million. 

Sporting sued Leao and other players who made similar moves as he did, and they won the case. The courts ordered Leao to pay €16.5 million, and this is proving a problem in his contract negotiation with Milan, as his agents want the Rossoneri to bear some of the financial burden. 

Milan, who paid a transfer fee for the player, are unwilling to meet the demand; hence, they consider a one-year extension to avoid losing him in a free transfer.