Paul Robinson, a former goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, has warned Chelsea, led by new co-owner Todd Boehly, that Manchester City is vying for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao only to scuttle the Blues' hiring plans.

Leao, whose current contract with AC Milan expires in two years, was mentioned in connection with a transfer to Chelsea earlier in the summer transfer window.

The Serie A champions turned down a verbal offer from Chelsea, who was even in prime position to sign the Portugal star, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is valued by AC Milan at £129 million with a release clause. Man City was also interested in him.

Robinson asserted in an interview with Football Insider that Man City were only considering Leao in order to prevent their Premier League rivals, Chelsea, from bolstering their roster with his addition.

“You would not say that they need another forward. They are probably looking at signing him just so others [like Chelsea] do not have him. City are amassing a squad with two top-quality players in every position. "They do not need any additions when you look at their squad,” Robinson said.

But we know that Pep Guardiola likes to rotate. Having a player like Leao at your disposal would be great. If the board were going to let you sign him, why wouldn’t you? "

He added: “City are a team competing on all fronts, so I’m sure he would be interested even if he is not guaranteed to start." You are guaranteed to win silverware at City. What player would not want that? "