Milan director Maldini certain that Leao will pen a renewal deal

Paolo Maldini

, the

technical director, is positive that

Rafael Leao

will pen a new deal with his side. He made a move to the Serie A champions three years ago on a deal worth €35million which also has a 20 percent sell-on clause. During his first season with Milan, he was in the starting XI 12 times, but he appeared in 22 the season following that and last season, it became 31 and he contributed to the Serie A title victory.

He met the back of the net 11 times and contributed eight assists last season. For his impressive performances last season, many clubs such as

are eager to acquire his services. However, Maldini is confident that he will sign a new contract, with his current deal due to expire in 2024.

"Leao has a difficult situation deriving from the move to Lille, this is affecting him a lot and has meant that our dialogues have often changed,"

Maldini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But Rafa is grateful to us, and I'm interested in what he tells us. He understands that the path in the coming years must be at Milan, he understands it and tells us [this].

"Then there will be a negotiation, but we know that strong players must be paid their worth. If the team continues to grow, Leao will have everything to compete to the fullest.

"But of course, there is no non-transferable [player] for all the teams in the world."

Maldini was quizzed whether there could be some kind of arrangement with Leao and Sporting as he wants Milan to help him pay the Primeira Liga side.

"Yes, with [Leao's contract], yes [but] we have nothing to do with Sporting."

This season, Leao found the back of the net three times in six matches in Serie A and his side are sitting fifth on the table.

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