Lille president: we will pay absolutely nothing for Rafael Leão

Sporting have been dealt a blow in their bid to sort out their finances, with Lille president Gerard Lopez firmly reiterating that the club have no intention of paying any money to Sporting for star striker Rafael Leão.

Leão, 19, joined Lille in the summer after he unilaterally terminated his contract with the Portuguese club.

He was one of eight players to rescind his contract with Sporting, citing just cause after he and his fellow teammates were violently attacked at their training ground by a group of their own ‘fans’.

However, while Sporting have since received compensation for the likes of Rui Patricio - who joined Wolves - and William Carvalho - who joined Real Betis - they are yet to receive any financial gain for their talented teenage striker who many anticipated would play a significant role for the Sporting senior team in the years to come.

Instead, the president of Lille has stated that “there is no chance of paying any money” for the Portugal U21 international.

Leão has been in terrific form for the French side this season, having scored a total of 7 goals in 17 league appearances, 6 of which have come in his last ten matches.