Milan, Bologna and Bayer Leverkusen pursuing Diogo Leite | OneFootball

Milan are continuing to pursue Union Berlin defender Diogo Leite, but now face competition from Bayer Leverkusen and Bologna.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the Rossoneri have set their sights firmly on the Portugal international to strengthen their central defensive options after Simon Kjaer came to the end of his contract.

The 25-year-old was purchased from FC Porto for a total €8m in 2023 after an initial season-long loan.

While Milan remain the favourites, they are forced to deal with other clubs showing a strong interest in Diogo Leite this summer.

Competition growing for Diogo Leite

Bayer Leverkusen had already made an initial approach, but the other contenders now are Bologna, who see the left-footer as an ideal replacement for Riccardo Calafiori.

They had been hoping to keep the Italy international, but with Arsenal ready to reach the €50m asking price at any moment, that seems increasingly unlikely.

Bologna could also use some of the cash from selling Calafiori to go after Diogo Leite, although they owe 40 per cent of it to his previous club FC Basel.