Galatasaray are continuing their pursuit of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, according to Turkish journalist Haluk Yurekli.
Yurekli said on Wednesday that the Istanbul club remains insistent on the Portuguese forward but is closely monitoring the length of his current injury. He stated that if the recovery period is expected to last two to three months, Galatasaray might abandon the move, and added that the club is also working to reduce the financial cost of any deal.
Leao, 26, sustained a muscular strain during Milan's Coppa Italia first-round tie against Bari on August 17 and has missed the opening two Serie A matches of the season. The forward said this week that he is not rushing back, noting "we cannot take risks" with this type of lesion.
He is still not back in full training and is not expected to feature against Bologna. The injury assessment has become central to Galatasaray's decision-making as the transfer window enters its final days.
Galatasaray have intensified their push after Milan rejected an initial proposal of 35 million euros, split into 30 million fixed and 5 million in bonuses. Milan are reported to be holding out for 50 million euros, while Galatasaray are preparing an improved offer of around 40 million plus further bonuses.