AC Milan could be priced out of a move to sign Southampton target Jean-Clair Todibo in January.
The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a departure from Barcelona next month, with Saints among a raft of clubs touted as potential destinations.
However, it appeared as though Milan stormed to the front of the queue in the race to sign Todibo, with the player himself apparently giving the green light regarding a move to Italy.
The Frenchman may still be keen to test himself in Serie A, but Barcelona’s asking price could prove to be excessive.
According to claims from Sport Mediaset, as cited by Tuttomercatoweb in Italy, the La Liga giants are demanding €20 million for Todibo, while Milan are reluctant to pay any more than €14 million.
Read Southampton’s verdict
€20 million is a fair price for a player like Todibo. He is already an exceptional talent and certainly has his best years ahead of him.
However, it hardly seems likely that Southampton would fork out such a figure – particularly midway through the season – for a player who has little first-team experience under his belt.
Todibo is a fine, fine player, and will undoubtedly have a bright future. But unless Barcelona receive a lucrative offer for his services, it looks like he may have to keep fighting for his place in Ernesto Valverde’s plans.
