AC Milan are working on a double axis with agent Jorge Mendes as the management look to programme the squad for the future, a report claims.

MilanNews report how Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are eager to lock up Rafael Leao for the long-term after he reached 100 appearances with the club and marked it with his 10th goal of the season during the 1-0 win over Sampdoria at the weekend.

The desire to continue together is mutual and discussions are ongoing with Mendes to find a new agreement, which could come in the coming days on the basis of an extension until 2026 with well-earned pay rise to €4-4.5m and bonuses.

However, Leao is not the only player that Milan are talking to Mendes about, as they are also looking to repeat a Maignan-style operation to secure a replacement for an outgoing player in advance, as they did with Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Franck Kessie’s exit is almost nailed on and the name chosen to replace him is Leao’s compatriot and a Mendes client in Renato Sanches. An attempt was made in the last days of the winter transfer market, but new contacts are expected in the next few days to try and wrap up the signing ahead of the summer.

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