Milan transfer obstacles for Botman and Diop

Milan’s search for a defender in January is running into problems, as Lille want €30m for Sven Botman and West Ham United are holding on to Issa Diop.

The Rossoneri require a new centre-back after losing Simon Kjaer for the rest of the season to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Multiple sources point them towards Botman, who will turn 22 next month and joined Lille from the Ajax academy in 2020 for €8m.

However, Sportitalia’s Milan expert Daniele Longo reports Lille are asking for at least €30m, which would be way beyond their price range.

They face competition from Newcastle United, who are flush with cash following the takeover from Saudi investment fund PIF.

LOSC would also not be prepared to accept a loan deal with option to buy.

Another target is Diop, who seems enthusiastic about the idea of joining Stefano Pioli’s Scudetto contenders.

Again there is a problem here, because Italy international Angelo Ogbonna’s injury makes it unlikely West Ham United will let him go in the January transfer window.

The Frenchman turns 25 next month and his contract runs to June 2023, with an option to extend for another year.

Diop made only 13 competitive appearances for the Hammers this season, most of them off the bench.

🚨 Aggiornamento #Milan: al momento il #Lille chiede tanto per #Botman ( 30 milioni) e non apre alla cessione in prestito con diritto di riscatto. Se ne riparlerà più avanti. #Diop del West Ham piace tanto, c’è l’ok del ragazzo. Lo stop di Ogbonna rende difficile l’operazione

— Daniele Longo (@86_longo) December 28, 2021