AC Milan have reportedly shortlisted an Aston Villa player as a potential defensive target for the summer transfer window.
All things considered, Milan have enjoyed a respectable 2023-24 campaign, notably sitting in second position in the Serie A standings.
However, while their performance in the league will again deliver Champions League football, sitting 19 points adrift of champions Inter Milan will reportedly have ramifications.
Last week, it was claimed the Milan board are ready to part ways with long-serving head coach Stefano Pioli in a bid to close the gap to their neighbours.
As well as opting for a fresh approach from the dugout, the likelihood is that different options will be acquired for a number of positions in the squad.
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AC Milan defensive issues undermine their performances
With 64 goals from 34 matches representing the second-best attacking record in Serie A, Milan have performed solidly enough in the final third.
In sharp contrast, though, their defensive record is just the eighth-best in the division, Pioli's side conceding 39 times albeit while having to deal with a number of injury issues.
As a result, reinforcements will naturally be targeted during the off-season, regardless of who is at the helm if Pioli does leave San Siro.
According to AS, sporting director Geoffrey Moncada has taken an interest in signing Villa defender Diego Carlos.
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The 31-year-old is currently nearing the end of his second campaign with the Premier League outfit, making a total of 26 starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions.
Carlos's start to life in the West Midlands was impacted by an Achilles injury, yet he has recovered to emerge as an important part of the squad under Unai Emery.
Although not necessarily first choice on a weekly basis, the former Sevilla man has made 24 outings in the Premier League this season, with Villa occupying fourth position in the table.
Meanwhile, he has recently played the full 90 minutes in Europa Conference League victories over Ajax and Lille, proving his capabilities on the continental scene.
Is a transfer realistic?
With Carlos still having over two years left on his contract, Villa would want to recoup as close to the £26m fee that they shelled out on his signature as possible.
Furthermore, Milan may baulk at paying such a fee for a player of 31 years of age, unless they are able to generate a nine-figure sum for star man Rafael Leao.
Darren Plant
