As reported by Il Corriere dello Sport in today's print edition, AC Milan's target in the defensive area, Sven Botman, has faded as he has agreed a move with Premier League side Newcastle.
For their part, the Rossoneri directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara would still like to sign a defender and as per the same source, there are some alternative targets.
22-year-old Belgian player of Bologna: Arthur Theate who should make his transfer permanent from KV Oostende.
Another name on the shortlist would be William Saliba, 21, French centre-back of Arsenal who spent the latest season on loan at Marseille.
Malick Thiaw, 20-year-old central defender of German side Schalke 04, who was briefly linked with a move to Milan in the previous winter's transfer window, is also a candidate.
The resources destined to sign Botman could be reinvested for a reinforcement in the offensive department of Stefano Pioli's squad. The names are the usual: Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge who is valued at 35 million euros, his teammate Noa Lang (20), Marco Asensio of Real Madrid (30 million euros), and Hamed Junior Traore (20 million euros).
