Aston Villa have opened talks with AC Milan over Rafael Leao after the Portugal international indicated he would welcome a move to Villa Park.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that agent Jorge Mendes has brought the clubs together, with discussions now under way over a potential transfer fee.
The development represents a significant escalation after Villa were initially linked with the 27-year-old without making a formal approach.
Milan have previously valued Leao at approximately €60million, although Football Italia reports they could negotiate at around €50million, equivalent to approximately £43million.
Aston Villa open Rafael Leao transfer talks
Di Marzio says Leao has opened the door to joining Villa, removing one potential obstacle before negotiations between the clubs progress.
Mendes is understood to have played an important role in establishing contact, although Villa have not yet agreed a fee or submitted a confirmed formal bid.
The winger has spent seven seasons with Milan, registering 80 goals and 65 assists in 291 appearances. However, Ruben Amorim’s tactical system has raised questions about his long-term role at San Siro.
Leao generally operates from the left and is particularly dangerous when carrying possession at defenders. That profile could give Unai Emery another attacking option following Morgan Rogers’ £117million transfer to Chelsea.
There is one immediate fitness consideration. Football Italia reports Leao missed Milan’s opening league fixture because of a thigh problem, meaning Villa would need to assess his condition before any potential agreement.
Villa could negotiate two AC Milan signings
The discussions also create the possibility of Villa pursuing two separate deals with Milan during the final week of the transfer window.
Villa have already explored a £12.5million move for Fikayo Tomori, with the England defender identified as a potential replacement for Ezri Konsa.
Tomori is available for substantially less than Leao, although signing both players would require Villa to balance their defensive and attacking priorities.
Emery’s need for greater firepower was underlined by Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton, while Ollie Watkins has rejected a proposed four-year contract as uncertainty continues over his future.
No agreement has yet been reached for Leao, but his willingness to join Villa and the opening of direct club-to-club discussions represent the clearest progress so far.
