Inter Milan chief Piero Ausilio has revealed how close they came to signing Rafael Leao.

Leao signed for AC Milan from Lille in a €30m deal in 2019.

Ausilio said in an interview with Fabrizio Biasin: “Leao was very close to Inter.

"I met him in London, and I reached an agreement, but I won't tell you why we didn't close the deal."

Ausilio also said: "It's becoming increasingly difficult to complete good sales because there aren't many important transfers.

“It's easier to sell to mid-table teams. Considerable investments are made for top players or promising footballers. In the middle, it's more difficult and prices are mind-blowing.

“[The transfer window] will be like the past, but we are not scared. At the same time, it will be slightly different because we only need to make little adjustments. We don't need to sell anyone and we'll see which opportunities we have. Last year, there were favourable situations with Onana and Brozovic."