According to Sky Italia, AC Milan have made contact to try and win the race for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
It’s claimed that Milan have been in talks to try and sign Tomiyasu, with more negotiations coming in the next few hours.
Bologna allegedly want a fee of around €25million (£23million) for Tomiyasu, and Milan are considering meeting that price tag.
The news may be something of a blow to both Newcastle United and West Ham United, who have both been linked with a move to sign Tomiyasu.
The Chronicle reported earlier this month that Newcastle had picked out Tomiyasu as a potential replacement for DeAndre Yedlin.
Yedlin hasn’t yet moved on though, meaning the Magpies haven’t been in a position to splash the cash on the Japanese ace, whose price tag appears to have shot up from £15million.
The London Evening Standard also noted this month that West Ham are keen on signing Tomiyasu, viewing him as a right back who can also play at centre back.
Neither Newcastle nor West Ham have big money to spend at the moment, and that may now allow Milan to swoop in and sign Tomiyasu.
The 21-year-old has impressed in Italy having arrived from Sint-Truiden last summer, and also has 18 caps for Japan, with his ability to play at right back and centre back no doubt appealing as the transfer window draws to a close.
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