AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has confirmed the Rossoneri wanted to extend the contract of Rafael Leao before the start of the World Cup but were unable to do so.

AC Milan could be forced to sell Leao next summer if he fails to sign a new contract to avoid losing him as a free agent in the summer of 2024.

An offer from Chelsea was rejected by the Italian side in the summer but the Blues still remain interested in signing the Portugal international.

“We’ve been talking about this for months, if not years,” AC Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini told Sky Sport Italia about contract talks with Rafael Leao.

“We’ll meet at the right moment and make a decision. The idea was to close [the deal] before the World Cup, especially with players involved in the competition, Leao in this case. It was not possible.”