AC Milan could bring Newcastle attacker Florian Thauvin to the San Siro this summer if they miss out on Lazio’s Keite Balda, according to Sky Italy.
The report claims Vincenzo Montella’s side are yet to make a decision on Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu and are identifying replacements that could replace the Spanish speed machine and solve their “urgent need” for a winger.
They are looking to sign Napoli’s wide man Keita Balde, but with Serie A rivals Juventus said to be keen on the Senegal international, they could miss out on penning his signature.
Milan have decided to line up a plan B option in Thauvin, who has excelled on loan from Newcastle with cash-rich French outfit Marseille during a season-long loan spell throughout the 2016-17 campaign.
The 24-year-old has had a hand in 26 goals during his 43 league and cup appearances for Rudi Garcia’s side this season, scoring 15 himself from the right flank and laying on a further 11 assists.
His form even saw him earn a call-up to France’s senior side, but he failed to earn his first national cap under manager Didier Deschamps.
Thauvin moved to the Toon back in the summer of 2015 from Marseille, but just six months later he was loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit after failing to have any sort of impact on Tyneside.
That loan was extended last summer, allowing him to remain with Marseille until now but after a sublime season at the Orange Velodrome, his future is yet to be decided.
That could allow Milan to steal in for the former Lille and Bastia star, who has a contract at St. James’ Park for another three years following his £15million switch two years ago.