AC Milan to Sign Mesbah, Taiwo-to-Genoa Rumors and Allegri's Left-Back Options

Milan seem to have finally begun their January shopping after resigning Alexander Merkel from Genoa.

Now, it seems that the Rossoneri will sign Lecce's left-back, Djemal Mesbah. The Algerian's agent revealed that his client will sign a contract "between four and five years" with Milan, according to tribalfootball.com.

If the 27-year-old is counted among the Rossoneri's ranks, Massimiliano Allegri will have several options at his disposal for the most problematic position in the team.

Here, I assess the options.

4. Taye Taiwo

Taye Taiwo has flopped since his move to Milan last summer as a free agent from Marseille.

The Nigerian international has struggled to concentrate defensively and when in advanced positions, he has rushed his decision-making and often given the ball away with errant shots and wayward crossing.

According to Yahoo! News, Taiwo has been linked with Genoa as part of the deal that has taken Alexander Merkel back to the Rossoneri.

Taiwo's agent, though, has denied that there have been conversations with the Rossoblu.

It seems illogical for Milan to keep four left-backs on the books, so this deal might just be pushed through at a later date before the January transfer window slams shut.

3. Gianluca Zambrotta

Gianluca Zambrotta is nearing the very end of his career.

The Azzurri legend will be 35 years old in a month and is beginning to struggle at the highest level.

He was woeful in the Milan Derby, as Maicon easily knocked the ball past him, and Zambrotta was unable to deal with this pace.

It is not inconceivable he could retire at the end of the season, but it seems unlikely Milan will dispose of him in January.

That's just not their style, as he's been a true legend of Serie A and has given a great contribution to the Rossoneri, so the club will be intent on giving him a proper send-off.

Perhaps another scudetto would be the perfect way to do so.

2. Luca Antonini

Luca Antonini has the talent to be Milan's established left-back.

The Italian has ample pace and defends astutely while also attacking with more purpose than any of his other rivals.

The only problem appears to be a lack of faith in him by Massimiliano Allegri, as he was omitted from the starting 11 for the Derby in place of the veteran Gianluca Zambrotta.

Djamel Mesbah is not such a daunting signing that he will feel his time at Milan is coming to an end, but it should prompt some healthy competition in order to bring more consistency out of Antonini.

1. Djamel Mesbah

Djamel Mesbah should occupy the left-back role once his move to the Rossoneri is completed.

The Algerian attacks with an intent and is easily adaptable to a more advanced role down the left side of the pitch.

What could attract Massimiliano Allegri is his tendency to deliver a meaningful cross which will also be beneficial to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in allowing Milan to mix up their tactics.

Finally Milan have discarded Carlos Tevez, for the time being, in order to pursue strengthening an area that is vital.

Perhaps Mesbah is not a long-term solution, as his quality is not enough to suggest he can fulfil the left-back role for years to come.

But he will at least provide Allegri with a different option and provide more genuine competition.

Mesbah should be a cheap option, a fee no higher than €5 million, for the Rossoneri and will not take up a non-EU spot due to moving from another Serie A side.

Follow me on Twitter @jackalexandros and @FRcalcioJack.