AC Milan have made a bid for Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan after the defender’s agent confirmed Aston Villa’s interest, as reported by Le10 Sport.
Whether an in-form Villa side even need a new defender is up for debate.
For the most part, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have been largely magnificent this season for a team who have confounded the critics in the first few months of the season; sitting sixth and three points off top spot with a game in hand.
Having conceded just nine goals so far, Aston Villa have the joint-best defensive record in the division– and seven of those nine strikes came in two matches, against Leeds United and Southampton.
Nonetheless, the Midland club continues to be linked with a new recruit,.
Speaking a few weeks ago, Simakan’s agent Francesco di Frisco believes that his highly-rated client could end up in England.
“There were many teams on Simakan – Lyon, Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund,” Di Frisco explained to Calciomercato.
“I think these clubs, including AC Milan, will try to push again (in January). The boy has picked up where he left off, showing his qualities, and it is possible his admirers will also increase.”
Well, it seems Di Frisco was certainly right about Milan.
Le10 Sport claims that the Serie A leaders, who have made no secret about their desire to sign a new defender, have seen a £13 million bid rejected by Strasbourg.
AC Milan won’t give up that easy, however, and are already preparing a new approach for a 20-year-old Frenchman who fits their transfer policy like a tailored suit.
Director Ivan Gazidis has already confirmed that Milan’s strategy revolves around signing talented youngsters with high re-sale value, a la Rafael Leao, Jens Petter Hauge and Ismael Bennacer.
The Italian giants will have to pay closer to £20 million, however, with Di Frisco admitting that Strasbourg want big money for his client.
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