Manchester City have promised Pep Guardiola that they will try and sign AC Milan talisman Rafael Leao after the manager committed to staying two more years at the Etihad.

The Lowdown: Talisman

Finishing as the top scorer last season for the Rossoneri with 11 goals in the Serie A, Leao is at it again this season, having contributed to 10 returns in the form of six goals and four assists from 14 appearances.

The Portugal international, hailed by Jacek Kulig as a ‘difference-maker’, has also made an impact in Qatar, scoring in a 3-2 win over Ghana on Thursday. He has become a genuine talisman, and it looks as if a move to the Etihad could be on the cards.

The Latest: Pep was promised…

According to one Spanish outlet, Guardiola has been promised by the club that they will look to sign Leao in 2023 before the manager signed a new two-year deal at the Etihad.

The same piece reiterates that Leao’s contract expires in 2024, with a host of clubs said to be in for him at the end of the season.

The Verdict: A promise is a promise…

The lure of Leao may have been used as a persuasive factor in City’s bid to tie Guardiola down to a new deal, so the club will need to stick to their word.

And with how well the club is run, you would feel as though Sheikh Mansour and co will keep to their promise. As mentioned above, next summer could be the most likely time that the star may make the switch to Manchester, so this could be one to watch closely heading into 2023.