Milan told how much they need to pay for Rodrigo De Paul

AC Milan have reportedly identified Udinese playmaker Rodrigo De Paul as the ideal replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu, who has yet to extend his contract.

Calhanoglu’s deal at the San Siro is due to expire this season. Despite the club’s unrelenting efforts to tie him down to a new contract, the Turkish midfielder has yet to pledge his long-term future to the Rossoneri.

The 27-year-old’s contractual situation in Lombardy has set several of Europe’s big guns on red alert. In addition to a couple of Premier League sides, Juventus are also huge admirers of the former Bayer Leverkusen star.

Paolo Maldini and co still harbor faint hopes of extending Calhanoglu’s deal but have already started preparing themselves for a worst-case scenario.

According to Tuttosport (via PlanetaMilan), Milan have laid their eyes on the highly-rated Udinese captain Rodrigo De Paul. The same source also adds that the Friulian outfit look to pocket around €40million from their headline performer’s departure.

The Rossoneri will face stiff competition for the Argentine’s signature, with a host of domestic and foreign sides setting their sights on De Paul.

The 26-year-old has been nothing short of outstanding since joining Udinese in 2016 on the back of a disappointing two-year stint at Valencia. While enjoying a rise to stardom, the ex-Racing man has earned the captain’s armband and a reputation as one of the finest playmakers in Serie A.

De Paul has played a vital role in helping Luca Gotti’s side avoid relegation this season. Despite Udinese’s torrid Serie A campaign, their captain has been a star, having racked up nine goals and ten assists in 37 league appearances.

Indeed, De Paul has been a rare bright spot in Udinese’s miserable season and is expected to move on when the transfer window reopens for business.