AC Milan are reportedly keen to sign midfielder Brahim Diaz on a permanent deal from Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old initially joined the Rossoneri on loan for the 2020-21 campaign before agreeing to continue at San Siro for a further two years, with his temporary deal now due to expire at the end of this season.
Diaz contributed with 11 goals and eight assists in his first two seasons with Milan and he has since recorded four goals and two assists in 20 games across all competitions this term.
The former Manchester City youngster left the Etihad Stadium for Real Madrid in 2019, but he featured only 21 times for the senior team and he has since gained regular first-team football at Milan.
Indeed, Diaz could make his 100th appearance for the Scudetto holders when they face Lecce in Serie A on Saturday, with Stefano Pioli's side currently sitting seven points behind league leaders Napoli.
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According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Milan are prioritising the permanent capture of Diaz and have scheduled talks with Real Madrid to discuss a fee.
Romano adds that Milan currently have a buy option for June of around €22m to sign the midfielder, and should that be activated, Los Blancos would then have a buy-back clause of €27m.
A separate report from Corriere dello Sport, via PianetaMilan, claims that Milan are keen to lower Real Madrid's €22m asking price for Diaz when they begin negotiations in the coming weeks.
The report also states that the Spanish midfielder wants to stay at Milan as he feels he would not be guaranteed the same playing time at Real Madrid.
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It remains unknown as to whether Real Madrid would be interested in reintegrating Diaz into their first-team plans for next season.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to enter the market for at least one new midfielder in the summer, with the futures of 37-year-old Luka Modric and 32-year-old Toni Kroos believed to be uncertain.
Both midfielders are out of contract at the end of the season, although Kroos has expressed his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and eventually retire at the club.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is believed to be one of Real's top midfield targets, but splashing out in excess of £100m may be required to lure the 19-year-old away from the German club.
Oliver Thomas
