AC Milan set their top priority for the January transfer window: Amorim awaits a centre-back, with two preferred candidates

Signing a defender from Sporting Lisbon is difficult at the best of times, never mind in January. The Portuguese club drive a hard bargain and sell their prized players only for the right sums: AC Milan know they must prepare a cheque for more than €40 million for Inacio, and even that might not be enough.

In recent days, AC Milan's transfer officials have renewed contact with the 2001-born player's agents. They have reiterated their desire to make a concrete attempt as early as January to resume talks that broke off only on the final day of the summer transfer window. Inacio, for his part, would be very keen to leave his mentor Amorim for AC Milan.

Kim has made just three appearances this season and no longer feels he has the full confidence of the manager and the club. His time at Bayern Munich looks increasingly likely to end. AC Milan have made enquiries with agents and intermediaries and are keeping a close eye on developments. If word comes from Bavaria that a deal could be done on favourable financial terms, AC Milan will be ready. Amorim is very keen on Kim's profile.