Atalanta have dropped a hint that Josip Ilicic is on the verge of a Milan transfer, leaving him out of their friendly trip to face West Ham United.
There are growing reports of negotiations progressing, including La Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting Atalanta are open to a paid loan with option to buy.
That is necessary, as the Rossoneri are low on funds after spending big already this summer and want to pay only half the €6-7m asking price.
Something would seem to be happening, because Ilicic is left out of the Atalanta squad travelling to London today.
They will face West Ham United in a friendly match tomorrow.
Hans Hateboer and Ruslan Malinovskyi are also left behind, because they require more fitness work before working with the rest of the team from Monday, while new signing Merih Demiral is brought along.
Atalanta squad: Musso, Toloi, Maehle, Palomino, Gosens, Muriel, Freuler, Pezzella, De Roon, Djimsiti, Delprato, Demiral, Rossi, Pessina, Ghislandi, Scalvini, Sportiello, Miranchuk, Da Riva, Lovato, Pasalic, Duvan Zapata, Piccoli