‘I want him to stay’: Manager suggests he really doesn’t want 23-year-old sold to Tottenham

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Tottenham Hotspur know they need a couple of reinforcements in January to sustain their place in the top four of the Premier League.

Antonio Conte has made it clear that Spurs need more quality in attacking areas after the injury to Dejan Kulusevski.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now relayed comments from the manager of one of Tottenham’s transfer targets.

Conte struggled to get the best out of his Spurs side when Kulusevski and Richarlison were unavailable due to injury.

The experiment to play an additional central midfielder didn’t work as Tottenham struggled to control games.

One player Spurs will have been keeping an eye on during the World Cup is Portugal’s Rafael Leao.

The AC Milan winger has been linked with Tottenham, as speculation continues over whether he will sign a new contract.

Leao is an exciting, rapid winger who typically plays on the left wing.

He would offer Spurs a different option on that side, where Conte tends to rely on the attacking prowess of wing-back Ivan Perisic.

However, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has now made it clear he wants Leao to stay.

The 23-year-old is one of Milan’s most impressive young players, and someone they could build a team around in years to come.

Pioli wants Tottenham target Leao to stay

Pioli was speaking to Sky Sport, via Fabrizio Romano, and said: “He’s really happy with us, it’s clear. Maldini & Rafa’s camp are in negotiations”.

“We’re waiting for good news. He’s happy with Milan, I want him to stay”.

A report from Calciomercato suggests Milan are confident Leao will sign a new deal.

His current deal expires in 2024, and if no new contract is agreed by next summer, Milan may have to sell Leao to avoid losing him for free.

Leao recorded double figures for goals and assists last season, and it’s easy to see why Pioli wants him to stay.

He already has 10 goal contributions in Serie A this campaign, and has been an important option off the bench for Portugal.

Leao scored his first international goal in their opening game against Ghana, which ended up being the winner.

The more he can prove he’s capable of performing on the biggest stage, the more Leao’s agents may demand for Milan.

If they can’t match his ambitions, then Tottenham may be in a position to swoop in and secure their target.