Sampdoria are willing to sell Dennis Praet to AC Milan in order to trim his sizeable salary off their books, a report claims.
It is being widely reported that Paolo Maldini, Ricky Massara and the rest of the Milan hierarchy are searching for another midfielder to bolster Marco Giampaolo’s squad.
The Rossoneri have been linked with a move for Praet since June, when it was claimed that they had in fact secured his signature, however things subsequently went quiet after.
However links have intensified once again in the past week or so, and on Tuesday it was even reported that Milan would sell Franck Kessie in order to fund a move for the Belgian.
Giampaolo knows Praet well from their time together at Samp, and according to Il Secolo XIX the Blucerchiati would not stand in the player’s way.
This is in large part down to the fact it would allow Sampdoria to ship out their current highest earned (€2million-a-year), and use the transfer fee to bring in quality reinforcements.
Praet amassed two goals and three assists in 34 appearances last term for Sampdoria.
Their president Massimo Ferrero has in the past tipped the 25-year-old to move to San Siro, and recently confirmed his €26m release clause.
“I think Giampaolo will do very well at Milan, as he is a great Coach and a good friend,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“Milan or anyone else can have Praet when they ask us for him and hand over the money. They’d need to pay us €26m.”