Rafael Leao transfer news: Aston Villa make approach to sign Portugal forward who is open to leaving AC Milan

Aston Villa have made an approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, according to Sky in Italy.

The English club are serious about the Portugal winger, who has expressed an openness to the move.

Villa and Milan are in contact and will now negotiate in a bid to reach an agreement before Deadline Day on September 1.

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Leao can play as a centre forward or on the left wing and scored nine goals and added three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season.

Villa are looking to make additions up-front amid uncertainty around Ollie Watkins' future at the club.

Sky Sports News reported Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign Watkins and have had at least one bid rejected.

Watkins was not included in the match-day squad for the 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and when asked for an explanation after the game, Villa boss Unai Emery told Sky Sports: "Ask him. I only can answer it by silence."

Reports have since emerged suggesting that the England striker returned to training on Monday and apologised to teammates for his absence.

Leao can replace Rogers' output and flexibility for Villa

Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe:

Aston Villa were forced to use Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards during their dismal 4-0 defeat to Brighton.

Ollie Watkins was missing from the squad due to uncertainty regarding his future, while both Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo were sidelined with injury.

Unai Emery has watched on as his Europa League-winning squad was ripped apart across this summer. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have gone. Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could follow suit.

The club desperately need reinforcements before Deadline Day on September 1. But Rafael Leao would not just be an ordinary body through the door.

The 27-year-old forward has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and in a bid to replace Rogers' output and flexibility across the forward line, Villa and Emery are turning their attention to him.

Capable of playing as the central forward, second striker or out on the left, Leao would mimic Rogers' presence in the squad with the same ability to drive at defences and threaten goal from all areas.

His stock in world football has dropped of late but look what Emery did for Marcus Rashford's career.

Villa can offer Champions League football, prominence in the starting line-up and the platform to impress in the Premier League. Leao offers Emery a crucial reinforcement and plugs the star-level gap left in the squad from player exits. A deal would work perfectly for both parties.

'Leao would be an incredible signing for Villa'

Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic speaking on Sky Sports:

"This wouldn't be good news, it'd be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing.

"I have played with him. I have seen the potential, pace, power and skill.

"He will be super suited to the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and the physical attributes he has will suit the Premier League.

"At Milan, he came through the ranks and really developed. He had good senior players and had consistency. Things started to change, a lot of managers started to change.

"It hasn't helped his consistency. Everyone has played him slightly differently. Look at Unai Emery and what he has done to some of the players at Aston Villa.

"Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, taking their careers to the next level.

"Rafael Leao, working with Emery and getting the opportunity to be the main player at Villa, it would be huge."

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