Schalke could sell reported Liverpool target Ozan Kabak for about £20 million but agent Gaetano Di Caro believes the Turkey international could be heading to AC Milan, as reported by Milan News.
Rossoneri chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke at length about Milan’s transfer policy a few weeks ago, insisting the Serie A challengers were prioritising talented youngsters with substantial resale potential.
And that blueprint is clear to see as Stefano Pioli’s high-flying side look to bring a new centre-half to the San Siro.
Pianeta Milan believes a deal has been agreed in principle to land Strasbourg’s Mohamed Simakan. But Ligue 1’s rising star may not be the only 20-year-old defender heading to Italy next year.
“I have spoken in person with the Schalke general manager. He has been talking to Milan for a long time. They are certain Milan are very close to (signing) Kabak,” Di Caro explains, claiming the seven-time European champions have wanted the Turkish powerhouse since 2019.
“The Rossoneri have been looking (at) him for a long time.”
It’s no secret crisis-hit Schalke are in the midst of a financial crisis – one exacerbated by the absence of fans from the cavernous Veltins Arena.
As a result, the struggling Bundesliga giants may be forced to accept a reduced fee for their prized asset.
“In the summer Schalke had to give a price, there was even talk of £30 million plus bonuses, they didn’t want to sell him,” Di Caro said.
“I think that, given the current financial and sporting situation, Schalke will give him away for about £20 million.”
Di Caro’s comments appear to scupper Liverpool’s hopes of signing Kabak in the new year. However, according to BILD Schalke teammate Malick Thiaw is also a target for the Premier League champions.
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