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Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is a ‘priority’ target for AC Milan as they ramp up their efforts to replace Simon Kjaer before the end of the January transfer window.

That’s according to Foot Mercato, who state that the Italian side have turned their attention to Bailly after being given a firm refusal from Lille regarding Sven Botman.

Milan are in need of a new centre-back after losing Kjaer to a long-term injury last month, something which has left them short at the back.

Bailly has been named among the players they are looking at for weeks, but according to FM, he has now moved to the top of the list for those in charge at the San Siro.

They say the ‘robust’ defender has his ‘sights set elsewhere’ and so Milan have moved to try and sign him this month.

It’s claimed that the Manchester United man would ‘welcome a move’ to Lombardy given the choice, a further boost to Milan’s efforts.

They are now in active ‘discussions’ with Manchester United over a loan deal until the end of the season that would include Milan paying Bailly’s ‘huge salary’ in full.

It is this part of the negotiations where things are ‘currently stalling’ but they are taking place nonetheless.