Paolo Maldini still hopeful of agreeing new deal with Franck Kessie

AC Milan director Paolo Maldini is still hopeful that his club will be able to agree a new deal with Franck Kessie, as the speculation surrounding the midfielder's future continues.

The 24-year-old's current contract at San Siro is due to expire next June, meaning that, as it stands, he will be free to hold talks with foreign clubs at the start of 2022.

Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are among a number of teams said to be interested in signing the Ivory Coast international either in January or next summer.

Maldini has revealed that contract talks with Kessie's agent have been ongoing for the last 18 months, and the club legend is still hopeful that an agreement will be reached.

"We have been talking to his agent for a year and a half. There have been many opportunities and there will be others," Maldini told DAZN.

Kessie has made three appearances for his Italian club at the start of the 2021-22 campaign, including 64 minutes of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Juventus in Turin.