Ibrahimovic Tips Chelsea Target Rafael Leao to Leave AC Milan

• Rafael Leao continues to fuel transfer rumours amid a contract standstill with AC Milan
• Leao, who exited the World Cup with Portugal, has reportedly rejected another club offer
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now backed the 23-year-old to take the next step in his career

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao is one of the most sought-after players in world football, after setting the Serie A ablaze with his Scudetto-winning performances last season.

Chelsea is one of the leading clubs in the chase for the winger, who scored two goals for Portugal at the World Cup before they were eliminated.

Leao has a year left on his contract as of the end of this season and is yet to renew with AC Milan, recently rejecting another contract offer after the World Cup, according to 90min.

Football legend and AC Milan teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spoken on the 23-year-old, indirectly advising him to realise who he is and take the next step.

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Ibrahimovic advises Rafael Leao

Leao was the Serie A's best player, as Milan won their first league title since 2011 last season. Ibrahimovic, who also contributed to the win, has praised the Portuguese talent.

Ibra praised the skill level of Leao and said that depth of potential he has is 'scary', adding that when the striker realises his worth, he will move up in his career.

The legendary player said this to Sky Italia in an interview that was transcribed to English by Football London:

“His potential was already seen when I arrived; he was just waiting for him to grow. But getting to Rafa’s level is difficult because he’s above normal. When Leao understands how strong he is, he’ll take another step. It’s scary. In my opinion, he doesn’t know how strong he is today,” he said.

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Leao is always smiling

Rafael Leao's face hardly communicates pressure or fear, as he has been pictured many times with a constant smile - no matter what he is doing with the ball.

As reported by Sports Brief, he was smiling as he took a shot that eventually went in for his first World Cup goal against Ghana.

Milan head coach Stefano Pioli admitted to being worried at first, but later realised he enjoys what Leao does with the ball and allowed him to be.