AC Milan director Frederic Massara has poured cold water on the possible transfer of Sven Botman to the red and black half of the San Siro.
Reports surfaced that Milan was committed to rivalling Newcastle United for the Lille defender but it now appears the Italian club have backed away from negotiations.
Milan Director Warns Lille Unlikely to Sell Sven Botman
New Centre-back a ‘Priority’
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Frederic Massara confirmed that Milan is in the market for a new centre-back with hints that Botman was a candidate.
“The role of a centre-back is our priority after Kjaer’s injury,” Massara said. “In a period like this with so many absentees also due to COVID, we will certainly be ready if we can find a sustainable option on the market.
“Botman is a very good player, but I don’t think Lille want to deprive themselves of him at the moment. There are many options to be considered.
“There are possibilities to be evaluated, as it’s a very uncertain time for clubs, especially with the stadiums closing back down, so we need to think very carefully.”
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Botman was not the only topic of conversation during Massara’s interview. The Italian confirmed that Andrea Conti’s transfer to Sampdoria could be completed as soon as tomorrow.
Milan’s director also played down the likelihood of signing a striker in the window.
“We need to monitor that role and others for the future, but I don’t think so for the moment. We have a young player in Pietro Pellegri, who has been stalled by injuries, but we believe in him. I don’t think we’ll go for a forward in the January window.”
The Serie A league leaders are, however, looking to tie Rafael Leao to a new deal. Massara praised the 22-year-old striker for what he has accomplished in the last few months.
“He is a pure talent with great talent and has matured a great deal in recent months, finding a consistency he didn’t have before, but the future is luminous for him.
“We are working with his agent on a contract renewal, just as we are trying to stabilise and build on players who bring a great deal to this team, and Leao is one of them.”
Another player Milan are looking to secure their long-term future is Theo Hernandez. The player confirmed he is close to signing a new deal.
“Talks are underway for my contract extension with AC Milan,” the left-back told Sky Sports. “We are at a good point – negotiations are progressing, I’m so happy here since day one.”
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