Milan director Paolo Maldini confirms the Rossoneri wanted to extend with Rafael Leao before the start of the World Cup, while talks with Ismael Bennacer will continue during the break.
Both players see their contracts expire in June 2024, but the Algeria international seems closer to signing a new deal.
The latest reports in Italy suggest Bennacer will triple his salary at San Siro by signing a new €4m-a-year deal until 2027.
“We’ve been talking about this [contract extensions] for months, if not years,” Maldini told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ll meet at the right moment and make a decision. The idea was to close [the deal] before the World Cup, especially with players involved in the competition, Leao in this case.
“It was not possible. We have a chance to talk to Bennacer and his agents these days.”
Maldini and Frederic Massara were named Best Sporting Directors for 2022 at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, beating Napoli’s Cristiano Giuntoli.
Many current and former Rossoneri were involved in the ceremony, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano Galliani receiving awards for their careers and Carlo Ancelotti named Coach Of The Year ahead of Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho.
“I am not strictly a sporting director, although some duties are partially the same. There isn’t a role like mine in any other club,” said Maldini.
“I am responsible for the technical area. I am very happy to be here in this new chapter of my life.”
Ibra insisted that he wanted to continue playing after receiving the award.
“That’s what he told us,” noted Maldini.
“Our idea was to have him available for the training in Dubai and hopefully on the pitch in January.”
Stefano Pioli’s men will train in Dubai from December 10 to 20, preparing for the second part of the campaign with Serie A resuming on January 4.