Milan are about to reunite with Matteo Gabbia but most likely won’t stop there to fix their depleted defense. Villarreal have given their green light to terminate his loan spell early. The two teams are finalizing the agreement and the paperwork. There shouldn’t be problems, Matteo Moretto informs (via SOSFanta).

The Rossoneri are going after a few other options. Their pursuit of Clement Lenglet has been obstructed by Aston Villa’s stance about his departure. Lloyd Kelly is high on their wish list, but Bournemouth aren’t open to negotiating despite his expiring contract. Plus, he’s an extra-EU player, and they have room to sign just one. It looks like they’ll use it for Serbian talent Matija Popovic.

Milan have been offered Thilo Kehrer to fill out their defense, and they are thinking about it. He transferred from PSG to West Ham for 12M in the summer of 2022. He has featured 12 times this season, mostly in the cups.

The Rossoneri seem more interested in Nordi Mukiele. However, they must convince the French giants to let him depart and accept an initial loan. He’s more versatile than their other target and isn’t a full-time starter.

Our Take on the Milan Defense

The scenario has changed following Fikayo Tomori’s injury. While they could have settled for a stopgap beforehand, they are without their three best center-backs for the foreseeable future now, and who knows how long Simon Kjaer will hold up. They’ll probably need to invest to find the right guy.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Do Oilers need more from Connor McDavid to get to Stanley Cup Final?
All-Rookie teams show gems available all over draft
The NBA has not witnessed this much parity in 50 years
Knicks expected to be 'aggressive' in upgrading their roster
Drew Bledsoe offers advice for Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye
2024 AFC revenge games: Brothers, 'Stefon Diggs Bowl' to take center stage
2024 NFC revenge games: Which game should Cowboys, others have circled?
How All-Star Race victory could turn Joey Logano's season around
Xander Schauffele's triumph could open the floodgates for his career
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Ranking the five best MLB free-agent signings of offseason
Veteran WR, former first-round pick announces NFL retirement
Oilers advance to West Final again after holding off Canucks in Game 7
Bengals star WR not expected to sign franchise tender before OTAs
Red Sox RHP diagnosed with ligament damage in elbow
Watch: Caitlin Clark shows off range with logo three, but Fever fall short
Former Dolphins receiving leader announces his retirement from NFL
Detroit Lions dominate PFF's top-25 players under 25
Hall of Famer, legendary Raiders offensive lineman dead at 86
Report: Cavs owner 'would never' trade Donovan Mitchell to this team

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.