TBR Football understands that Rafael Leao is excited by the prospect of working under Massimiliano Allegri at AC Milan, and vice versa.
The Italian coach makes his return to the San Siro after spending almost 11 years away, and there is a sense of excitement again at Milan.
Allegri himself is also eager to work with the Portuguese attacker and has made clear his intention to transform him into one of the best attackers in world football.
Leao has attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham, who were keen to see if he would be available after Milan missed out on European football, but at this stage, he looks set to stay.
Tottenham offered Rafael Leao, but he wants to stay at AC Milan
Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Rafael Leao through intermediaries, but AC Milan insist the winger is going nowhere, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands.
James Maddison’s injury and Son Heung-min’s departure have left Spurs in desperate need of reinforcements in attack.
Allegri has already dismissed Leao being sold, and now the Italian giants have made it clear that he is going nowhere.
Bailey told TBR Football: “My understanding is that intermediaries on the back of Son’s transfer and Maddison’s injury have put Leao to Spurs, in theory. Opportunistic, yes, but that is how some of the biggest deals in the world have come about.
“However, I have spoken to Milan, and nothing is happening. They do have a new manager, but I am told that even though Massimiliano Allegri has just come through the door, he is firm on his stance that Leao stays.
“Allegri signed off on the sale of Tijjani Reijnders, so that meant he could have a say in other big decisions, like going for Dusan Vlahovic, but also keeping the likes of Pulisic and Leao.
“I am told that Allegri has informed Milan’s hierarchy that he can turn Leao into one of the very best forwards in the world. They are not planning on losing him, and I don’t believe Leao has the wish to leave at this point; he is excited by Allegri.”
Tottenham could be in big trouble if Son Heung-min and James Maddison replacements aren’t signed
Tottenham’s options to replace Son and Maddison are continuing to shrink with 26 days remaining in the transfer window.
Both players contributed to a share percentage of goals in North London last season, and losing that many at once could hurt them.
The duo ended the campaign, both managing 23 goal contributions across all competitions, and Spurs will need to find a way of replacing that many goals.
Rodrygo is another sensational option for Tottenham, but like with Leao, he is currently reluctant to leave Real Madrid.
A new number ten and left wing must be targeted, with time running out for them to get deals over the line.