[Image credit: Chelsea]

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has heaped praise on AC Milan star Rafael Leao, fuelling speculation that the Blues could launch a January move for the attacker.

The west London club created a late bid for the Portuguese forward within the transfer window solely to ascertain their bid was rejected, however, Potter's comments recommend they may revive their interest in the future.

The 47-year-old has only been in charge since the start of September after succeeding Thomas Tuchel. But the club is already planning to welcome his initial signings to the club within the winter transfer window.

A deal has reportedly been agreed in principle with RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, who has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Blues subject to them agreeing on a fee with Leipzig at around £60m. And Leao may be their next target because the Premier League facet targets a lot of additions, despite already spending £270m this summer on eight new signings.

Once asked concerning the likelihood of signing Nkunku, Potter was reluctant to debate any transfer news relating to the France international, whereas the previous Brighton boss swiftly rebuffed a question relating to Cristiano Ronaldo's potential switch to Stamford Bridge.

However, he was rather more forthcoming once asked concerning Leao's performances and suitableness to the Premier League, with Potter admitting he has been left affected along with his conspicuous displays when looking at the athlete in action for Milan.

Before their encounter on Wed at Stamford Bridge, he said: “I’ve been extremely impressed with Rafael Leao whenever I've watched Milan games, he’s a high player. In terms of what happens in the future, who is aware of whether he can do that in the Premier League or not? He's got the capability, for sure."

The 23-year-old caught the eye of the club's formidable owners after contributing nineteen goals and assists within the Italian high flight last season, serving to the Rossoneri clinch their first Scudetto in a very decade.

And therefore the Portugal international has set Serie A alight once more this season with four goals and 4 assists in seven league matches, with another 2 assists in the Champions League for Stefano Pioli's side.

Milan responded by quoting his £126million (€150m) unleash clause in full, forcing Chelsea to seem elsewhere for offensive reinforcements. The Blues eventually signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona for £12m, however, the Gabonese striker is viewed as a short option.

However American owner Todd Boehly, still operating as interim sporting director, has been eyeing up another bid for Leao in January to assist kickstart Potter's reign. And Potter's approval is also all that he must sanction another deal after closing in on Nkunku.