Chelsea 'prefer Rafael Leao over Cristiano Ronaldo'

Chelsea will reportedly pursue a deal for AC Milan's Rafael Leao rather than wantaway Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in January.

The Blues submitted a bid for the 23-year-old Leao on deadline day in the summer, but it was rejected by AC Milan as they were unwilling to sell their star player.

The Mirror reports that they will reignite their interest in the January window and prioritise Leao over Ronaldo, who they were also linked with in the summer.

The Blues eventually decided to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the Manchester United forward, but they are understood to still be in the market for attacking reinforcements.

The Ronaldo links have resurfaced after Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag's latest bust-up, which has left the 37-year-old training with the club's youngsters.

However, it is understood that manager Graham Potter prefers a deal for Leao, who has five goals and eight assists in 14 matches so far this season.