Milan turn their attention to Schweinsteiger; Sporting Lisbon set to sign Spain international

Milan turn their attention to Schweinsteiger

Milan have dropped their interest in Fiorentina’s Ricardo Montolivo and turned their attention to Bastian Schweinsteiger, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

With veterans Van Bommel, Seedorf, Gattuso and Ambrosini some of the choices in midfield, Milan boss Massimiliano is widely looking to add some fresh blood to this area of the pitch.

The Rossoneri chiefs are adamant that Mister X will arrive to San Siro before the transfer window closes, with Il Corriere dello Sport believing that Bastian Schweinsteiger is the missing link.

After the Serie A champions decided not to pursue their interest in Fiorentina midfielder Ricardo Montolivo, they have switched their attention to the Bayern midfield maestro.

With Bayern not willing to sell their most prized asset and his current price being at least €35 million, Milan officials are aware that this could be a painstaking operation.

Nevertheless, the Italians believe that the Germany international could be tempted by the prospect of joining Milan, after spending last 10 years playing for Bayern Munich.

Milan aim to close the deal before Bayern enter the Champions League qualifying rounds as the Rossoneri cannot allow for their potential acquisition to become cup-tied by representing Bavarians in Europe.

Sporting Lisbon set to sign Spain international

Sporting Lisbon are expected to complete the signing of Diego Capel from Sevilla, A Bola has revealed.

The Portuguese giants have reportedly agreed to pay Sevilla €6 million for the young winger and all that’s left is for the player to agree personal terms with the Lions.

Sporting Lisbon coach Domingos Paciencia has asked his bosses for a technical player who can cover left side of the pitch and his wish is set to be granted in the view of Diego Capel.

The Spain international, who won the Under-21 European Championship with La Furia Roja in June, has recently extended his contract until 2014.

With his release clause being raised to €30 million, everything suggested that the 23-year-old would remain at Sevilla, but things have changed since.

Los Rojiblancos have welcomed the opportunity to cash in on their prized asset amidst interest from free-spending Sporting Lisbon, with the deal set to be officially completed in the next few days.

New club president Luis Godinho Lopes has high ambitions for the coming season and the Lions have already signed a number of high-profile players such as Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Stijn Schaars, Oguchi Onyewu and Valeri Bojinov.

Ajax boss hoping to keep hold of star duo

Ajax coach Frank de Boer wants clarification on the status of star duo Maarten Stekelenburg and Jan Vertonghen.

With Stekelenburg’s contract set to expire in year’s time, the Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move away from Amsterdam Arena.

However, after Roma dropped their interest in the experienced keeper to sign Carlos Kameni, the 28-year-old could stay at Amsterdam ArenA at least until the winter.

Jan Vertonghen has two more years left on his contract, but is a target for both Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Belgian international has, however, hinted that he would be willing to play Champions League football with Ajax.

Meanwhile, Ajax boss Frank de Boer is eager to have things sorted out as soon as possible, so that he could plan his next moves.

“There is currently no interest in him (Stekelenburg),” De Boer told De Telegraaf.

“We want to clarify whether he is staying or not and whether he wants to extend his current contract. If not, then a winter transfer seems probable.”

“I asked him (Vertonghen) to sign and he was positive about it. Danny Blind will soon hold talks with his agent.”

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