Revealed: USMNT star Christian Pulisic one of TWO Chelsea players offered to AC Milan in transfer package for Rafael Leao

• Blues keen on Portuguese forward
• American & Moroccan wingers offered
• No deal done but interest remains

WHAT HAPPENED? The Blues were also willing to include Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech in a deal that would have seen them lure the talented Portuguese forward away from San Siro.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Athletic claims that Chelsea valued Leao at €100 million (£87m/$109m), with USMNT star Pulisic offered as a makeweight to help bring that financial outlay down. Milan, though, were not convinced and made it clear that a star turn on their books had a €150m (£131m/$163m) release clause in his contract.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Chelsea walked away from a deal at that stage, but have continued to ask questions of Leao’s potential availability and may be tempted to rekindle their interest in the summer of 2023 – with Pulisic and Ziyech both still on the books at Stamford Bridge and seeing limited game time amid fierce competition for places.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT? Leao is, however, believed to have agreed a new contract with Milan – after hitting another 13 goals for the Serie A giants this season – and the release terms in his deal are said to have been raised to €175m (£152m/$190m).