Multiple sources confirm fresh talks between Milan and Bayer Leverkusen for Granit Xhaka, who is open to the move, with Malick Thiaw potentially part of the deal.
It was already reported over the last few days that Xhaka was a primary target for new coach Max Allegri, who already brought in valuable experience and class to his midfield with free agent Luka Modric.
Now Fabrizio Romano, Florian Plettenburg and Calciomercato.com are among those all confirming that new contact was made over the weekend, with talks progressing well.
Xhaka enthusiastic about Milan move
Crucially, Milan are one of the clubs that Xhaka would be prepared to leave Bayer Leverkusen for and his entourage is enthusiastic.
The Rossoneri can also lower the cost of the operation by including defender Thiaw as part of the deal.
Calciomercato.com note that the versatile defender, who turns 24 in August, had already been targeted by Bayer Leverkusen in the past.
Involving him could therefore lead to a significant discount in the push for Swiss veteran Xhaka.
What?! Including a 20m-rated defender at only 23 years of age as “part” of a deal to get discounts on a 32 year old midfielder who is worth like, 15m… what kind of drug are you all smoking?
Yeah, I’m thinking exactly the same. That would be insane. Even as poor as some decision-making has been at Milan recently, I don’t believe they could be that incompetent.