AC Milan Transfers: Rumoured Targets for Max Allegri This Summer

Last season was a stressful one for Max Allegri, who endured a torrid start to the campaign before engineering an impressive third-place finish with a young, inexperienced squad. 

The Rossoneri were also able to put in a memorable performance against Barcelona in the Champions League, but this season there'll be more expected from Milan than just recoveries and one-off displays. 

Allegri has been at the club since 2010, presiding over a period of great change at Milanello. Once known for its ageing stars, Milan is now a youthful outfit, full of fresh faces and budding potential. 

This summer, the club must add to that promise and sign several players in key positions. Otherwise, they'll still struggle against the very best teams. So who have they been linked to?

Alessio Cerci to Complete Milan's New Look Attack

Alessio Cerci already knows Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy well from his time with the national squad, so buying the 26-year-old winger would make good sense for Milan. 

Currently at Torino, the Roma youth product is co-owned by Fiorentina but it's unlikely he'll return to Florence. The offer of Champions League football would certainly be hard to resist, and it's a deal that's likely to suit everyone involved.

Torino will know that as an Italian international, Cerci will be looking farther afield at some point. And Fiorentina could use the money to allow Vincenzo Montella to strengthen in other areas. The Rossoneri would get a player well-suited to their system, and Cerci would get a proper shot at the big time, having been dumped by the Giallorossi and the Viola in the past. 

The Turin-based sports daily Tuttosport (here in English, via football-italia.net) recently claimed that Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani was overheard discussing his admiration for the player, while reports in Italy, like this one from the Gazzetta dello Sport via Tutto Mercato, are suggesting that the Rossoneri are already in contact with Fiorentina. 

Reports Suggest There's an Admiration for Thiago Alcantara

Milan could be interested in fighting Manchester United for the signature of young Thiago Alcantara, according to Charles Perrin in the Express. 

The Barcelona midfielder was impressive at the recent U-21 European Championships, even scoring a hat-trick against Italy in the dramatic final.

Alcantara wants regular football in the hope he'll make next summer's World Cup squad, and with chances limited in Catalonia, he's said to be keen on a move. 

Manchester United are promising a spot in the starting XI, believes David McDonnell in the Mirror, possibly because United lost the excellent Paul Pogba to the promise of playing time at Juventus last season, and know now that top young talents will move to further their careers. 

Milan could certainly offer the young Spaniard games and might be a more attractive option given that David Moyes' first season at Old Trafford could be a shaky one. The San Siro would provide the chance he craves, while also allow him to line up with the likes of Balotelli, El Shaarawy and Riccardo Montolivo—all of whom he wants to join in Brazil next summer. 

Will Milan Move for Carlos Tevez?

Plenty of reports linking the Rossoneri to Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

Among them, ESPN claims that Galliani wants a "nasty" player like the Argentinian to add more bite to the attack at the San Siro, while the Mirror says that Milan have set a deadline on the €12 million transfer. 

Sky Sports believes that Galliani wants to offload some players before making a move, however. Speaking to Sky Sports Italia (in English here via their British counterparts) the vice-president said: 

"

Tevez is a Manchester City player and we will not be doing anything unless someone else leaves first. If another club wants to come forward for Tevez, then they are welcome to do so. If we do not sell one of our players, then we cannot make any other moves.

"

Tevez has had a mixed time of it in Manchester and could fancy a move. It's a deal that might suit City, too, because the 29-year-old has just one year left on his contract. 

Confederations Cup Star Keisuke Honda Also on the Radar

Japan's Keisuke Honda was a joy to watch at the Confederations Cup, and although the Asian side were knocked out of Group A by Brazil and Italy, they proved themselves to be worthy opponents.

At the centre of it all, Honda won plenty of plaudits for his entertaining and effective play in attacking midfield. Of course, his skills on the ball were old news to a lot of observers. Since making his debut for Japan against Bahrain in 2008, the 27-year-old has notched up 45 caps and 15 goals. 

He's also become a key part of Leonid Slutsky's CSKA Moscow, but the player is now keen on moving to a new club. Milan are among the most likely to land his signature, and neutrals across Italy and beyond will be hoping that they can bring his silky stylings to Serie A this summer. 

Speaking to the Japan Times, Honda said: 

"

I don’t know where I’ll be taking the next step yet, but I know I’ve got a chance to play for a big club. I have until August so I’ll wait and see.

If I go to a big club, I’ll become an infinitely better player. The improvement I’ll make then will be anything but minor. I’m the type to soak up everything and anything in my surroundings, and if I play with better players, I’ll get better. It’s how I’ve been able to get this far in my career.

"

Allegri Could Use Bruno Martins Indi to Strengthen His Defence

Milan had several problems at the back last season, and it's an area where reinforcements will definitely have to be made if they're to become serious Scudetto challengers. 

Not surprising, then, that according to Goal.com, the Rossoneri have been linked to one of the most promising defenders in Europe right now, Bruno Martins Indi. 

The Portugal-born Dutch centre-back is just 21, but already has more than 70 appearances for Feyenoord in the league and nine for the national team. Martins Indi is the sort of defender managers dream of, and possesses the talents lacking at the back for Milan right now. 

He's excellent on and off the ball, picks up few bookings and isn't afraid to get forward either. Just what the doctor ordered for an ailing back line.