AC Milan: Galliani Strikes Bargain Deal with Cellino for Cagliari's Astori

Adriano Galliani has already put the wheels in motion for Milan's next assault on the transfer market, as we approach the summer window.

The transfer supremo, who is famous for striking bargain deals for the Rossoneri—with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Robinho signing at knock-down prices in recent years—is negotiating with Cagliari president Massimo Cellino for the transfer of Davide Astori.

As reported here, Milan face competition from Juventus for the highly-coveted central defender, but Galliani has seemingly struck a deal with the the Isolani, in order to give the Rossoneri a discount.

Corriere dello Sport reported that there is an agreement between Milan and Cagliari that will enable the Serie A champions to prise away Astori for just €7 million, rather than €10 million for any other potential suitors.

Cellino candidly revealed, "In football, I only have two friends, Galliani and (Silvio) Berlusconi, I am convinced that we will reach an agreement (regarding the transfer of Astori)."

Such close relationships between the two clubs open the possibility for that Milan could raid the Rossoblu for another of their top players. Milan are actively searching for a destructive central midfielder, and the Rossoneri will find that Radja Nainggolan is the perfect fit.

The tough-tackling Belgium international has been a sensation since arriving at the club in 2010. Nainggolan has produced a series of outstanding performances again this season, which surely makes it improbable that the Sardi can maintain his services beyond the summer.

Massimiliano Allegri coached Astori during his time with Cagliari between 2008-2010, after the 25-year-old joined failed to make the first team, after his youth career with Milan. These reasons as well as the good relations between the two clubs suggests that it is highly probably that the Azzurri international will be the first signing for the Rossoneri this summer.

Jack Alexandros is a football analyst for Football Radar, covering Serie A. You can follow him on Twitter, @jackalexandros and @FRcalcioJack.