AC Milan and AZ Alkmaar remain at odds over the valuation of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, but negotiations look to be edging closer to a resolution.
According to Italian news outlet Sportitalia, the Rossoneri are preparing to table a new proposal to wrap up the deal, having received the green light from the midfielder.
Milan previously submitted an offer worth €19 million. However, AZ are holding out for a fee closer to €25m and refusing to lower their asking price, despite being resigned to lose the player this summer.
The Eredivisie club know they cannot hold on to Reijnders much longer amid interest from elsewhere, although Milan are considered the front-runners for his signature.
However, the former Netherlands under-20 star has four years left on his current contract with AZ, giving them the leverage to stand firm on their asking price.
Milan are determined to land Reijnders, having identified the 24-year-old as an ideal replacement for Sandro Tonali, who completed a big-money move to Newcastle United a few days ago.
With Tonali gone and Ismael Bennacer facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery in May, Stefano Pioli is running low on midfield options.
Milan executive Giorgio Furlani is working around the clock to provide the manager with some much-needed reinforcements in the middle of the park, and Reijnders is one of their priorities.
With the midfielder also keen on the move, the Rossoneri are prepared to raise their bid to €21m plus bonuses which still falls €4m short of AZ’s demands.
Milan have reportedly reached an agreement with Reijnders on personal terms, and all that remains is to find common ground with AZ on the transfer fee.
Interest in the Dutchman has increased in recent weeks, with Spanish champions Barcelona also interested in the midfielder.
However, Milan can rest easy knowing he has turned down a move to Spotify Camp Nou in favour of securing a move to the San Siro.
