Milan central midfielder Franck Kessie’s situation at the club grows uncertain with each passing day, as the two parties continue their contractual war with no set date to resolve issues.
He will see his contract expire in the summer and is unwilling to take a pay cut, prompting Milan to halt any negotiations – at least for the time being.
The 25-year-old Ivorian is not short of suitors to sign him ahead of next season. Keeping that in mind, Milan are already planning to reinforce their choices in midfield, with two names in particular taking the spotlight.
Reports from Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) point out that Rossoneri loanee Yacine Adli, who is currently spending the campaign at Bordeaux, will not be the only one to arrive as a direct replacement. The 21-year-old was signed last season but was immediately resent to the French club on loan to continue his drastic development. He is set to arrive next summer from Ligue 1.
However, he is not the only target from the French top division. Ligue 1 champions Lille have another highly-rated prospect in their ranks inn the form of Renato Sanches. The versatile center-half has a contract valid until next season in the northern French club and Milan will have to part ways with atleast €30m – his transfermarkt valuation – to secure his services.
The 24-year-old Portuguese has emerged as one of football’s hottest talents in recent years, especially since his step up from Benfica youth ranks in 2015.