AC Milan have reportedly set their sights on making a move for Tottenham winger Erik Lamela, and will offer Spurs £22m in January.
The Argentine international experienced a slow start to life at White Hart Lane following his move from Roma in 2013, but has grown into playing an important role for current boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Lamela has made 11 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring twice and providing six assists, which is an indication of his importance to the current team, although he has made just five Premier League starts so far this year.
However, according to Calciomercato, Milan are ready to test Tottenham’s resolve when it comes to keeping the 24-year-old with the report claiming that CEO Marco Fassone and general manager Massimo Mirabelli are ready to swoop with a £22m offer.
The report goes on to add that Spurs have no intention of selling and plan to reject any bid immediately with a view of keeping Lamela until next summer at least.
Fassone and Mirabelli were said to be in London over the weekend to look at various targets for January, with the Serie A giants set to be boosted by the completion of a takeover by a Chinese consortium before the end of the year.
The duo mentioned above have been officially confirmed as part of the new-look hierarchy that will lead Milan’s new regime, with the likes of Lamela, Cesc Fabregas, and Michy Batshuayi all on their radar during their trip to England.
Milan will essentially want to continue to add quality young players to their squad and individuals that fit their 4-3-3 system, and it appears as though Lamela fits the bill.
Following their 3-1 win over Chievo on Sunday night, Milan have now moved up to third in Serie A as they chase a Champions League qualification spot, with coach Vincenzo Montella relying on a young nucleus of homegrown players who suggest the club has a very exciting future ahead.