AC Milan have released a statement deny a bust-up between director Paolo Maldini and Rafael Leao.

It was reported the pair clashed this week over a contract row.

But Milan stated on Tuesday: “With regard to the article published today by the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport entitled: 'Leão-Milan total rupture', AC Milan would like to point out that the negotiations with Rafael Leão have not been interrupted.

“The journalistic narrative of a cold relationship between the two parties is not only totally unfounded but also damaging to the Club and its player.

"AC Milan continues its dialogue with Leão and his entourage in a serene and professional way."