Reports: ‘First offer’ – Milan lay groundwork for Maignan’s replacement with initial bid

AC Milan are pondering who should replace Mike Maignan in the event he leaves on a free transfer, and one name continues to gather momentum,

As the days and weeks pass, the feeling is growing that Maignan will leave the Rossoneri on a free at the end of the season. The downward revision of the contract extension originally accepted in February seems to have made the Frenchman’s mind up, as Tuttosport report.

The return to the January terms offered – a fixed salary of €5.5m plus bonuses – doesn’t seem to be enough to convince Maignan, despite the efforts of Massimiliano Allegri and Igli Tare to change his mind.

Replacement in mind

So, to avoid the same situation as five years ago when Milan faced a similar dilemma with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s contract (later replaced by Maignan), a hot name for the summer has emerged. It’s Hugo Souza, the Corinthians’ starting goalkeeper and a member of the Brazilian national team.

Photos: Miguel Schincariol + Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Milan have already sent an initial offer to both the player’s entourage and his club. However, both parties have so far rejected the proposals they received, but we’re only at the beginning of what could be the main negotiation for the hottest candidate to replace Maignan.

Obviously, the Milan management has a range of other names – mostly foreign – that they’re considering, but there are also a few Italians they like, such as Elia Caprile. These are preemptive, winter-time moves, as the market can always be full of unexpected twists and turns.

Meanwhile, Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) are also claiming that a bid has been launched for Hugo Souza. The directors have made initial offers to both the player and Corinthias in recent days.