Milan won’t sacrifice defensive mainstay to sign Strahinja Pavlovic –

Despite Milan edging closer to completing a long-awaited signing of RB Salzburg defender Strahinja Pavlovic, Milan will not sell Fikayo Tomori to make room for the Serbian. According to Calciomercato, the English centre-back has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League club West Ham United.

Milan, however, are in no hurry to discuss Tomori’s departure. Serie A runners-up are said to be listening to offers for the former Chelsea defender, but only if someone pays their exorbitant asking price of €40/45 million. West Ham cannot afford such a significant sum after shelling out around €40 million to sign Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

West Ham’s interest in Tomori dates back to last summer. They enquired with Milan about the 26-year-old’s availability 12 months ago, but were rejected by the Italian giants. The Hammers parted ways with David Moyes at the end of last season and appointed Julen Lopetegui, previously linked with Milan, as his replacement.

The managerial change has not dented the English side’s interest in the Milan ace. Kilman’s arrival may not be enough to plug substantial defensive holes at the London Stadium. On top of a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, West Ham ended their long-term relationship with Angelo Ogbonna last June.

With Milan now set to sign Pavlovic, West Ham thought they could get Tomori on favourable terms. However, Milan’s plan is to provide new manager Paulo Fonseca with a competitive squad, ruling out the sale of first-team stars, and Tomori is one of them.

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