Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori looks set to snub a loan move to Newcastle after AC Milan’s transfer plans were scuppered, making him a priority for the Serie A leaders.
According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, an injury to Mohamed Simakan of Strasbourg means that AC Milan’s top January target is now no longer a possibility.
The Serie A side have prioritised a central defender with Simakan as the likely target, but his injury has forced the Scudetto contenders to switch to alternative targets. That means Tomori looks to now be the top target for the Italian side.
According to Di Marzio, Tomori is ‘well-liked’ by Newcastle, who were set to make their move, but Milan are now ‘pushing to close a deal’ for the England international.
The 23-year-old has featured in just one Premier League game this season and looks firmly out of favour under Frank Lampard. He has made a further three appearances in cup competitions (Transfermarkt).
Milan have reportedly seen their prospects of signing Tomori as an alternative to Simakan boosted after Frank Lampard confirmed that the Chelsea defender would be allowed to leave on loan.
The Guardian named Leeds and Newcastle as potential suitors after a deadline day deal with West Ham collapsed from the player’s end, but the source also noted that Ligue 1 side Rennes and some La Liga clubs could enter the race.
Read Newcastle Verdict
Sadly for the Magpies, it looks unlikely that Newcastle hold any real advantage in signing Tomori. Milan would be an attractive prospect for the 23-year-old, given the challenge of vying for silverware.
A new start in a new league with a new incentive may prove too attractive for Steve Bruce’s side to beat in the transfer race.
