Milan, Gardiner looks to Belgium for defensive options: who is Union Saint Gilloise’s Sylla, the latest target for Amorim?

AC Milan are preparing for league and European matches against Genoa and Ferencavaros, but January's transfer window will give the club's management a chance to address weaknesses exposed in recent weeks.

Among the names under consideration, Gonçalo Inácio remains one of the most highly regarded, particularly by Ruben Amorim. The club are also pursuing younger prospects, drawing on ideas from Gardiner and the entire scouting department, particularly in their search in northern Europe.

Eyes on Sylla

According to Matteo Moretto, AC Milan are reportedly monitoring Massiré Sylla, a Senegalese defender already being compared in his homeland to the imposing former Napoli player Kalidou Koulibaly. He joined Union Saint Gilloise from Norwegian club Lyn for €1.5 million last January and signed a contract until 2030.

The characteristics

Born in Senegal on 7 January 2005, Sylla has spent three years in Europe, starting at French side Pau, moving to Lyn in Norway and then joining Union Saint Gilloise in the Jupiler League. He has made 9 league appearances this season and scored one goal. The right-footed defender stands 196 cm tall and is very strong physically. He can also play as a defensive midfielder in front of the defence, a role he played when he was very young at the Diambars Fc Academy in Senegal. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is around €5 million.