"Milan are in the market for a new central defender, one who can ideally bring experience of playing at the highest level, as well as versatility. The issue is that they do not want to spend big, so a low-cost or loan deal are therefore the only two options. Massimiliano Allegri would prefer a player ready to contribute immediately, but the performances of Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic - along with De Winter's growth in the last two matches - mean Milan's intention is therefore not to make an investment just for the sake of it."
"The Dutch centre-back recently spoke to the Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who explained to him the need to play more to go to the World Cup. "Coach Ronald Koeman has spoken to me a couple of times, explaining that I should play a bit more and that obviously it becomes difficult to be considered if I don't play consistently. Every player wants to play as much as possible, and the only thing I can do is keep fighting for a place," he said."
"Ake played just nine minutes in Manchester City's last match against Chelsea and suffered a slight knee sprain. It is the latest in a series of physical problems that have significantly affected him over the years. In an interview to the Manchester Evening News a few days ago, Ake confirmed the importance of getting enough playing time in this second half of the season in view of the World Cup. He's in the sights of a number of Premier League clubs ready to take him into consideration, from Crystal Palace to Bournemouth, plus West Ham and Fulham."
AC Milan want a central defender who combines top-level experience and positional versatility but will only pursue low-cost or loan deals. Allegri favors a player who can contribute immediately, yet satisfactory performances from Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic and De Winter reduce urgency for an expensive signing. Nathan Ake has emerged as an opportunistic target after Manuel Akanji was linked with rivals. Ake has limited minutes at Manchester City, suffered a slight knee sprain, and carries a history of physical issues. National coach Ronald Koeman urged more playing time for World Cup consideration, and multiple Premier League clubs monitor him.
Read at SempreMilan
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