AC Milan expected to make improved Christian Pulisic bid - sources

AC Milan are expected to make an improved offer for Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic as confidence grows that a deal will be reached for the United States star, sources have told ESPN.

Milan submitted a new bid worth over €20 million ($21.8m) for Pulisic on Wednesday, sources told ESPN.

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Lyon have also submitted an offer to Chelsea, sources told ESPN, although it is less than reported €25 million ($27.2m) fee, a significant portion of which is made up in add-ons.

Pulisic is expected to reject the chance to join the French side, believing it to be the wrong move for his career.

ESPN reported last week that Pulisic had agreed personal terms in principle with Milan, who can offer the 24-year-old the chance to play Champions League football next season.

Sources told ESPN that Milan are confident of striking an agreement with Chelsea over the transfer fee, with the Italian club believing the savings Chelsea would make on Pulisic's wages -- about €15m per year -- are enough to get a deal over the line.

While no fee has yet been agreed and Chelsea are looking for an increased offer from Milan, the Premier League are not planning for the player to be part of their preseason tour of the U.S. later this month, sources added.

Pulisic joined Chelsea in a €64m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and has gone on to make 145 appearances across four seasons at the club.

Information from ESPN's James Olley was used in this report.