Paolo Maldini confirms Barcelona's interest in Franck Kessie

AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has recognised that Barcelona want to sign Franck Kessie this summer.

The Ivory Coast international's contract at San Siro is due to expire at the end of June, and it appears increasingly unlikely that he will be signing an extension with Milan.

Maldini has confirmed that there is interest from Barcelona in the central midfielder, who has scored six times and registered one assist in 27 appearances at club level this term.

The Milan director has also reiterated that the Serie A side will not be 'changing their stance' in a bid to prevent the 25-year-old from leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.

"It's normal to see that Barcelona are interested in signing Franck", Maldini told Mediaset. "Our position is very clear [on Kessie contract] and it's part of the strategy of the club. We won't change our stance."

Kessie has scored 36 goals and registered 16 assists in 211 appearances for Milan since making the move from Atalanta BC, initially on loan.

Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder over the last few months.