AC Milan are reportedly weighing up a move for Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen as the Serie A hopefuls look to bring in reinforcements next month following Simon Kjaer's injury.
Stefano Pioli's side were dealt a heavy blow last weekend afterKjaer, 32, injured his cruciate ligament, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Milan, led by sporting director Paolo Maldini, are on the hunt for cover this January and Sky Sport Italia suggest they have identified Kjaer's Denmark team-mate Christensen as a potential option next month.
Christensen, 25, has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge this season and is in the midst of a deadlock with club chiefs over a contract extension.
The Dane's deal expires next summer and Chelsea were reportedly left stunned when the 25-year-old asked for the club's five-year offer to be reduced to three years.
Christensen has not been a consistent starter for the Blues this season and last week boss Thomas Tuchel hinted that his exclusion is in part down to the contract stand off, imploring the defender to prove he was committed to the club.
'We have the hope that it (Christensen's lack of action) influences the contract situation a little bit, he said.
'My understanding weeks ago was that Andreas wants the same as me and the club. But we have been waiting a long time for confirmation.
'How he acts on the pitch, he needs to act now off the pitch and walk the talk. He tells us he loves Chelsea and he wants to stay. He is a big part of a big club. We want the commitment.'
Christensen, along with team-mate Malang Sarr, are understood to be options for Milan, while Lille star Sven Botman is thought of as a target for next summer.
The Italians have a strong track record of doing business with the Blues. They have signed Fikayo Tomori, Olivier Giroud and Tiemoue Bakayoko from the Premier League club in recent years.
Milan also understand that their European status will have huge implications on their ability to attract targets next month. They face Liverpool in the Champions League tonight, needing at least a draw and results elsewhere to go in their favour to avoid the Europa League or elimination altogether.