CM: Milan looking at defensive options for January and June – the names on Tare’s list

AC Milan are still looking for a centre-back who could arrive in January, but they are doing so without any real sense of urgency.

According to Calciomercato.com, the head coach Massimiliano Allegri believes they need a central defender with experience and leadership to bolster the department. The management are looking for an opportunity on loan, which is not easy and has led to a stalemate that will likely persist.

At Casa Milan headquarters, the hope is to find a sudden chance to seize as the final whistle blows in this winter transfer window.

Defender difficulties

The players offered so far by agents and other clubs haven’t received Igli Tare’s full approval. Chelsea’s Axel Disasi isn’t entirely convincing, nor is Portuguese player Diogo Leite of Union Berlin, both of whom have been proposed to the Rossoneri.

Federico Gatti’s chances of arriving have plummeted despite Juventus practically putting him on the market because, given his characteristics, he doesn’t fit into Luciano Spalletti’s plans. A potential counter-part has yet to be agreed upon, with Milan reluctant to invest €25-30m to land Gatti now.

Murillo, a Brazilian defender currently playing for Nottingham, is one of the players being closely monitored, but only for the summer window. Both Tare and Geoffrey Moncada appear to be big admirers of his.

Photos: Marco Rosi + Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Liverpool’s Joe Gomez remains a top choice for Milan, who intend to make contact with the Reds soon. The directors will continue to be active in the Premier League, looking for a defender with talent and leadership, but at a bargain price.

Milan are closely monitoring the steady growth of Tiago Gabriel, a key figure in Lecce’s defence. The Portuguese U21 international – who did well at San Siro on Sunday – is expected to make a move only in June, and only for a very significant offer.

There have certainly been some discussions between the two clubs, but nothing concrete enough to spark a full-blown negotiation. Another player particularly appreciated by Tare is Lazio’s Mario Gila, but again he is more a name for June.