Di Marzio: Italian defender ‘first on the list’ for Milan – Parma set high asking price

Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed AC Milan’s interest in signing two young Italian centre-backs, but the asking price certainly is not cheap.

A number of different central defenders have already been linked to Milan as rumours swirl that Malick Thiaw or Fikayo Tomori could depart, with the former in particular being a Bayer Leverkusen target.

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Leoni’s name emerged some weeks ago as a candidate to come in and strengthen the rearguard, and last night there was talk of an acceleration. MilanNews reported that the Rossoneri directors have initiated contacts with the entourage of the teenager.

Leoni: Interest and price confirmed

Now, Gianluca Di Marzio – who spoke live on Sky during ‘Calciomercato – L’Originale’ (via MilanNews) – has also confirmed the interest as well as Parma’s high demands for the prized young talent.

“For Milan Leoni is first on the list, as well as for Inter. Comuzzo is also among the first on the list. They are talented young players and they are good,” he said.

“Parma they were smart for signing Leoni at a reasonable price. Now he has a valuation of at least 25 million, while for Comuzzo in January Fiorentina refused 30 million.”

Allegri is believed to be a big admirer of Leoni, having watched him first hand on several occasions last season. Given the input that the new coach is having, it would not be a surprise to see things move forward.