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.<\/p>\n
Reports surfaced<\/a> that Milan was committed to rivalling Newcastle United<\/a> for the Lille defender but it now appears the Italian club have backed away from negotiations.<\/p>\n Speaking to Sky Sports Italia<\/a>, Frederic Massara confirmed that Milan is in the market for a new centre-back with hints that Botman was a candidate.<\/p>\n \u201cThe role of a centre-back is our priority after Kjaer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cBotman is a very good player, but I don\u2019t think Lille want to deprive themselves of him at the moment. There are many options to be considered.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are possibilities to be evaluated, as it\u2019s a very uncertain time for clubs, especially with the stadiums closing back down, so we need to think very carefully.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Milan’s director also played down the likelihood of signing a striker in the window.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to monitor that role and others for the future, but I don\u2019t 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\u2019t think we\u2019ll go for a forward in the January window.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “He is a pure talent with great talent and has matured a great deal in recent months, finding a consistency he didn\u2019t have before, but the future is luminous for him.<\/p>\n “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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cTalks are underway for my contract extension with AC Milan,” the left-back told Sky Sports<\/a>. “We are at a good point – negotiations are progressing, I\u2019m so happy here since day one.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Main Photo<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nMilan Director Warns Lille Unlikely to Sell Sven Botman<\/h2>\n
New Centre-back a ‘Priority’<\/h3>\n
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