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'The team comes first' - Ruben Amorim has finally spoken about Rafael Leao's future at AC Milan amid strong speculation connecting the winger with a high-profile transfer to Fenerbahce. The Portuguese coach stressed that the team is his main concern, while the Serie A heavyweights continue to insist on a permanent transfer fee.

Amorim addresses Leao transfer rumours

Amorim has now commented on Leao's situation as the club moves into the second leg of its pre-season tour. The Rossoneri have arrived in Perth, Western Australia, ahead of a closed-door friendly against Perth Glory. Leao is due to link up with the squad in Australia after returning from the World Cup.

His arrival comes at a time of intense transfer talk, with Fenerbahce reportedly submitting an official offer for the attacker. The Turkish giants recently dispatched director Cihan Kamer to Italy to hold negotiations over the deal. However, Milan have firm financial expectations and are determined to control the terms of any possible departure.

'The team comes first'

Speaking during a press conference in Perth, Amorim responded to the continuing uncertainty over his star winger. The former Manchester United manager made it clear that individual matters will not interfere with his preparations for the squad.

"He is our player until anything changes, the team comes first," Amorim said. "It is not too complicated, for me the team is the most important thing.

"I will speak with Rafael, with [Goncalo] Ramos, with [Alexis] Saelemaekers, with all the players returning from the World Cup to explain what we will do. I know there is a lot of speculation about some of our players, but they remain ours until anything changes."

Milan demand permanent transfer

Fenerbahce have reportedly put forward a package worth as much as €42 million for Leao. The proposal is said to include an initial €5m loan fee, a €35m obligation to buy next summer, and €2m in performance-related bonuses. Milan, however, are standing firm for a straight €50m fee and have fully rejected the idea of letting him leave on loan.

The Serie A club had earlier informed both Galatasaray and Benfica that only a permanent transfer would be accepted. The Rossoneri are in urgent need of fresh funds to support further activity in the market. The club has already spent more than €100m this summer to complete the signings of Goncalo Ramos and Mario Gila.

Bumper contract awaits Leao

Talks between Milan and Fenerbahce are likely to continue over the next few days. Despite making the trip to Australia, Leao could still depart San Siro before the transfer window shuts. The forward is reportedly ready to sign a lucrative deal in Turkey worth €12m per season. That huge financial offer would effectively double his current salary at Milan.

While transfer discussions continue behind the scenes, Amorim will keep his attention on the team's upcoming pre-season matches. Milan are set to take on Perth Glory on Saturday as they aim to build fitness ahead of the new season.