Atalanta are reportedly ready to back away from Teun Koopmeiners unless AZ Alkmaar lower their €20m asking price, looking at Milan’s Tommaso Pobega instead.
The 23-year-old Dutchman plays as a midfielder, but can also work in central defence.
Koopmeiners had seemed to be on the verge of a move to Atalanta, but those negotiations cooled off over the last few days.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, La Dea are ready to drop the matter entirely and look at alternatives.
Their most likely target is Pobega, who is owned by Milan, but spent last season on loan at Spezia.
Aged 22, is a product of the Rossoneri youth academy and could be available for €10-12m this summer.
However, Milan are concerned that they could end up regretting the sale, much as they did with Manuel Locatelli to Sassuolo.
Pobega impressed during his loan spells at Pordenone and Spezia, so if he were to join Atalanta, it might be on loan with option to buy and a counter-option.
He scored six goals and added three assists in 20 Serie A appearances for Spezia last season.