Barcelona staff warn Joan Laporta against €90m pursuit of AC Milan's Rafael Leao over work rate and deep block concerns

According to Sport, Laporta is keen on signing Milan winger Leao this summer. However, a club scouting report deemed the Portugal international does not have much of a 'defensive work-rate' and there are doubts about his ability when facing 'packed defences' - something Barcelona often have to deal with.

The report adds that Leao is likely to cost at least €90 million (£76m/$92m). At a time when Laporta's Barca have been desperately trying to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season amid their ongoing financial issues, splashing that sort of cash on Leao may be regarded as reckless.

The 25-year-old Leao, whose contract at Milan runs until 2028 after signing a five-year deal in 2023, has scored 64 goals and bagged 56 assists in 233 appearances for the Italian giants.

Barca, who may yet be able to register Olmo and Victor after all, are currently focusing on trying to win the Supercopa de Espana when they take on bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday.