Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly suffered a major blow in their pursuit of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, who is now set to stay at the San Siro.
The 24-year-old, who has less than 12 months remaining on his contract, is believed to be admired by new Spurs head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who was keen to bolster his midfield options this summer had either Tanguy Ndombele or Harry Winks left the club.
Kessie has been linked with several clubs across Europe including Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, however the Ivorian international is now in negotiations to extend his contract with AC Milan, according to the club's manager Stefano Pioli.
"I would like Kessie to sign. The negotiations go on between the club and his agent, I don't think this is the time to worry. With Franck I only talk about matters relating to the pitch and I always see him as positive and serene, there are no problems," Pioli told Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato.
Kessie has previously expressed his desire to stay with the Rossoneri, saying that he 'wants to stay at AC Milan forever'.
The midfielder has made 185 appearances across all competitions for AC Milan since joining the club from Atalanta in 2017, scoring 30 goals and providing 15 assists.
Oliver Thomas
