AC Milan appear to have chosen the man they want to replace Franck Kessie as they are targeting Lille’s Renato Sanches, according to a report.

According to this morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews), the more time passes the more it seems that Kessie will leave the club on a free transfer and the management want to prepare for his exit just like they did by swooping to sign Mike Maignan as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s replacement.

Kessie’s replacement could come from the same club as Renato Sanches is now the main target. The Portugal international has a contract expiring in 2023 and wants a new challenge in his career with Lille languishing in mid-table having won the title last season.

Milan have had their eyes on him for some time as they have already been after him in the past, but Juventus and Roma are also keen on the former Benfica man. Milan could soon accelerate the negotiations by taking advantage of their excellent relationship with Lille, as seen in the Maignan, Leao and Djalo deals.

The Rossoneri are working with the lights off, but obviously there have already been contacts with his agent Jorge Mendes, who is trying to bring his client to a top club.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Falcons make awful draft decision with No. 8 overall pick
Joel Embiid's career high keeps 76ers alive in series vs. Knicks
Bears select Caleb Williams with No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Shohei Ohtani says what he's 'grateful' for following interpreter gambling scandal
Eagles lock in another star wide receiver with record contract extension
Panthers win again to push Lightning to playoff brink
Patrick Mahomes commends Chiefs drafting speedy offensive playmaker
Bam Adebayo urges Heat to embrace 'cage fight' vs. Celtics
Rory McIlroy perfectly sums up the state of professional golf with two words
Nuggets crush Lakers after halftime again to take 3-0 series lead
Ravens think they found a 'shutdown' CB late in first round of 2024 NFL Draft
Winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft
Chiefs trade up to No. 28, draft WR with record-setting speed
Cowboys bolster offensive line with Big 12 pick at No. 29
Cardinals shore up defensive line with No. 27 pick
Watch: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts ‘shocked’ by team drafting QB Michael Penix Jr.
Jaguars give Trevor Lawrence another weapon with No. 23 pick
Dolphins shore up defensive side of the ball with No. 21 pick
Hurricanes beat Islanders, 3-2, to take a 3-0 series lead
Bengals hope to bolster protection for Joe Burrow with No. 18 pick