Serie A leaders Milan target Barça duo Junior Firpo and Umtiti
The two defenders are out of favour under Koeman and free to leave Camp Nou
As revealed by 'La Gazzeta dello Sport', AC Milán, the Serie A leaders, are lining up moves for Barcelona duo Samuel Umtiti and Junior Firpo to strengthen their defence.
Junior would be the ideal backup for Theo Hernandez at left-back, while Umtiti fits the type of centre-back the Italian side want, although his salary could be an impediment.
Paolo Maldini, Milan's sporting director, is working on a number of January deals as the club push for a first league title in a decade.
They have already signed the midfielder Soualiho Meïté and are close to deals for Fikayo Tomori and Mario Mandzukic.
JUNIOR: ALTERNATIVE TO THEO
The Spanish left-back is being lined up as competition for Theo Hernandez. Coach Stefano Piolo is having to use Diego Dalot as a left-back at the moment when the former Real Madrid man is not available, as he has no other option. Maldini liked Junior, who has also been linked with Napoli and Inter and is keen to move on from Barça this month.
UMTITI: WAGE PROBLEM
A deal for Umtiti is much more complicated due to his salary expectations. Milan are looking for a centre-back and the Frenchman's name is on the table. However, Milan would not only have to match Barça's transfer fee, but also the six million euros Umtiti earns annually.
For that reason, a loan could be the way forward. However, the imminent signing of Tomori from Chelsea, which is still not official, could see them cool their interest in Umtiti.
