Rafael Leao caught the eye for Portugal during the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has advised Rafael Leao to sign a new contract and snub interest from Chelsea.

The Portugal international was limited to a bit-part role during his side’s run to the World Cup quarter-final but still managed to enhance his burgeoning reputation with a series of eye-catching cameo performances.

Leao’s future is the subject of intense speculation at present with no resolution to the impasse over contract negotiations that have been dragging on for well over six months in sight.

The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in 18 months’ time and Milan can ill-afford to lose a player who has been so crucial to their recent success for significantly less than his market value.

Blues boss Graham Potter has made no secret of his interest in the versatile forward who is impressed against Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this season.

‘You can see his quality and what he brings,’ Potter said last month. ‘He’s part of a strong team, a strong club and a strong set-up, and we respect that.’

Potter’s chances of landing one his primary targets when the window opens, however, will be far from straightforward with Pioli insistent that the player’s career would be best served by remaining in Serie A.

Rafael Leao has played a key role in AC Milan’s resurgence (Picture: Getty)

‘I advise him to sign a new deal and stay at Milan. I see Rafa very happy here,’ he told Sky Sports.

On specific links with Chelsea, Pioli added: ‘Leao here will have the chance to improve again, he feels good at Milan with this group.’

Those sentiments were echoed earlier this month by Leao’s teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is confident the versatile forward has what it takes to become one of the best players in European football.

He said: ‘Of course, Milan is the right environment for him. Just look at his growth, when he arrived, he was far from the decisive player he is today. Here he is very important for us, elsewhere would he be as important? He would have to start from scratch, you can’t be sure he would be ready right away.

‘At Milan he has confidence, space and freedom, which is not a given at another club, it’s up to you. Besides, you can see that he is happy here, by now he is laughing even before scoring. He is the young man who has grown the most.

‘Theo has improved so much, De Ketelaere is strong, and patience is needed. But Leao is on another level, above average. He lacks a step, he will only do it when he is fully convinced of his abilities.

‘Today even he doesn’t really know how strong he is. Then he will be really scary. And the price will go up.’

MORE : John Barnes claims Chelsea is not the right club for their new signing Christopher Nkunku

MORE : Chelsea finally wrap up deal for new technical director with announcement imminent

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The winger caught the eye during the World Cup with Portugal.