Chelsea and Manchester City lead the race to sign AC Milan star forward Rafael Leao in the January transfer window.

Leao, 23, fired Milan to the Serie A title last term, netting 11 goals and earning the division’s Most Valuable Player award.

He has continued his fine form this season, striking five times in 12 league appearances as well as helping Stefano Pioli’s side to a place in the Champions League last 16.

The 11-cap international is expected to shine for Portugal at this month’s World Cup which could spark a bidding war between the Premier League heavyweights.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter is eager to add attacking reinforcements to his squad, with Armando Broja, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all potential makeweights in any deal with the Rossoneri.

City meanwhile are also looking to strengthen their forward line, but Italian media report Milan will expect to receive at least £105million for their No17.

The San Siro outfit hope to tie down Leao beyond his current contract which expires in 2024, but are said to be open to selling in January should they fail to reach an agreement with the 6ft 2in talent.

In other news

Catalan outlet Sport understands Barcelona target Jorginho has asked Chelsea to double his wages to convince the Italian midfielder to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all ahead of Manchester United in the pursuit of Palmeiras teen starlet Endrick.

Unai Emery is eager to recruit Villarreal defender Pau Torres to Aston Villa, according to reports in Spain.