Scouts have filed glowing recommendations - Fikayo getting an understudy from Monaco

Signing high-potential defenders is clearly the path chosen by AC Milan and their director Paolo Maldini. After last season's purchase of Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori proved a smart buy, the red and blacks will try to repeat the trick with Monaco's centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

Tomori finds his luck with Rossoneri after a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge

The French youngster would be excellent to have as a backup for the rest of the season and possibly a first-teamer next term. Milan scouts have been watching Badiashile a few times this season and gave the France U21 the thumbs up. Now it's up to the Italian giants to make it happen.

Badiashile has progressed significantly since breaking into Monaco first team as a teenager in 2018. He took a huge leap forward last season and established himself as a first-team regular. The French-born lad with Congolese roots is excellent at positioning and reading the game, which goes well with his natural physical ability. According to scout reports, he is flexible and quick to adapt in all kinds of situations on the pitch.

The 20-year-old is valued at around $25million. Milan sign players from Ligue 1 clubs regularly and know they way around the market. With Badiashile's contract running out in 2024, the club from Monte Carlo might decide to cash in on their defender while they're still in a good bargaining position.

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Another player admired by the Rossoneri is Torino's 24-year-old centre-half Gleison Bremer – but that ship may have already sailed because there are reports that a few clubs from England have also been tracking him.