AC Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini has called Rafael Leao "untouchable" amid reported interest from Real Madrid but has also revealed that there is a €150m (£127.4m) release clause in his contract.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for his Italian club, scoring 14 goals and registering 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, he scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists in 34 Serie A appearances, as the Milan giants won the Serie A title for the 19th time in their history.
Real Madrid have recently been linked with the attacker, and it has been suggested that the La Liga champions are prepared to pay as much as €120m (£102m) to sign him.
However, Los Blancos will seemingly have to pay Leao's full release clause of €150m (£127.4m) if they wish to bring him to Bernabeu during this summer's transfer window.
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"We consider Rafa Leao untouchable, although there is a clause of €150m (£127.4m)," Gazzetta dello Sport quotes Maldini as saying.
Leao has been with Milan since August 2019, representing the Italian giants on 115 occasions in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and registering 21 assists in the process.
The Portugal international only has two years left to run on his current deal at San Siro, though, which has led to the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.
Barcelona and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the attacker, who has been named in the Portugal squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
However, earlier this year, it was reported that Milan were confident of reaching an agreement with the attacker over a new and improved contract at the club.
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Real Madrid had been confident of signing Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but the France international has now signed a new contract in Paris.
As a result, Carlo Ancelotti's side will be forced to look elsewhere to improve their attack this summer, with the club also believed to be showing an interest in Everton's Richarlison.
Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo will again be a key part of the team's plans for next season, while Eden Hazard is set to stay at Bernabeu despite the speculation surrounding his future.
Gareth Bale is leaving on a free transfer at the end of next month, though, while the futures of Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic are unclear ahead of the summer market.
Real Madrid are currently preparing to face Liverpool in Saturday's Champions League final, with the club bidding to lift the European Cup for the 14th time in their history.
Matt Law
