AC Milan make improved bid for Pervis Estupinan but again fall short of Brighton's asking price

Milan's initial offer of €13m was rejected by the Seagulls, as they deemed it to be below their valuation of the defender. According to la Repubblica, the Rossoneri have now hiked up their bid to €15m (£13m/$17m), which still falls well below Brighton's €20m (£17m/$23m) asking price. The Italian club hope that agreeing personal terms with Estupinan can help them to pay a reduced fee.

Milan have offered the 2020-21 Europa League winner (with Villarreal) a four-year deal and have also agreed to pay him €2.5m in annual wages. The Serie A club are desperately trying to bring in a quality full-back who can replace Theo Hernandez, who left for Al-Hilal this summer. However, the Seagulls are hard at bargaining and have already reduced their asking price from €23m (£20m/$27m) to €20m (£17m/$23m). Milan hope a couple of add-ons can strengthen their case to bring the 27-year-old to San Siro.

Estupinan's agent Jorge Mendes is working as a mediator, trying to bridge the gap between the valuation of the two clubs. However, Brighton are not desperate to offload the player as he tied to the club till 2027. In addition, the Seagulls have signed another full-back, Maxim De Cuyper, from Club Brugge this summer, strengthening their squad and position in the negotiations at the same time.

Estupinan is tempted to play for Milan in the Champions League and wants to be an integral part of the team under the management of Massimiliano Allegri. The Ecuadorian is hoping a deal can be struck for him to join his new club in the pre-season. Milan have other alternatives should a deal for the ex-Villarreal player not go through, but at the moment, the Milan camp's complete focus is on bringing Estupinan to Italy.