Rafael Leao SLAMS 'fake news' claims he is demanding '£8.8m-a-year to sign new deal at AC Milan'

Rafael Leao rejected claims that he had demanded wages of £8.8million-a-year at AC Milan, with the current Serie A champions looking to extend the youngster's deal.

Leao, 23, has emerged as one of Europe's hottest talents after a strong 18 months with the Rossoneri and impressing in Qatar last month, but was quick to rectify reports surrounding his on-going contract negotiations.

The forward has a new international manager in Roberto Martinez, as was reported on Monday, and has hit the ground running since returning from Qatar - where his displays caught the attentions of numerous sides in Europe.

Italian influencer ErFaina had reported that the Portugal international had some sizeable demands as his discussions over his contract continue.

ErFaina claimed that Leao's father was demanding at least £8.8m (€10m), as well as a hefty commission on top of that, which the player has since refuted.

'Fake news come sempre,' he tweeted in Italian - which translates to 'fake news as always', accompanied by a pair of sleeping emojis.

Reports across Italy suggested that the fee he has been offered is closer to the £6.2m-a-year mark, plus add-ons, after a breakout 18 months have seen him become something of a hot property at the San Siro.

According to Football Italia, his father has landed in Italy over the weekend, with a view to proceeding with negotiations at the Rossoneri.

Talks over his future at the club have continued for some time, with both Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara having opened discussions some time ago, as the club are keen to hold on to the rising star.

After reaching double figures in the league for both goals and assists last season - 11 and 10 respectively - Leao has continued his strong form into 2022-23, and is currently on seven goals and six assists.

So impressive were his displays last term that Chelsea were suitors to bring him to Stamford Bridge in a big-money move worth around £105m ahead of the World Cup.

The player was also reportedly on a shortlist devised by Erik ten Hag to fill the void left by compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United in December, as well as new Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo.