Sell, Loan or Stay: What Milan Should Do with M'Baye Niang

M'Baye Niang is at a crossroads. 

Twenty years old and bristling with potential, the Frenchman is one of the most intriguing talents on the Rossoneri roster, yet he's seen just 28 Serie A minutes this season, according to Transfermarkt.com. 

In this article, we'll take a look at how Milan should be handling Niang, as the current situation simply isn't working. 

There are effectively three avenues from which to choose: Sell Niang, loan him to a club where he'll have a regular role or keep him and play him. 

Per the AC Milan News Twitter Page, three Italian clubs are exploring the possibility of signing Niang on loan. 

"

Atalanta are also interested in signing Niang on loan in January, apart from Bologna and Udinese.

— AC Milan News (@Milanello) December 30, 2014"

If Milan wish to keep the talented youngster on the books, loaning him to another Italian outfit ranks as the best option. 

Atalanta have a tenuous hold on the ever-important 17th place, and with a league-worst 11 goals scored on the season, Niang would have his chance. 

German Denis and Maximiliano Moralez have misfired all year, and spelling either veteran with Niang, or fielding him on the wing in support of the duo, could reinvigorate the Atalanta offense. 

Serie B side Bologna would probably afford the 20-year-old with the most playing time, but Milan should want him to play against top-flight competition. 

Per WhoScored.com, Udinese manager Andrea Stramaccioni has employed a number of formations on the year, none of which include Niang's preferred wing position. 

When the former Inter boss has used three central defenders, he's paired them with two wing-backs, though such a role doesn't suit the more attack-minded Niang. 

His other formations have been narrow and have featured packed central midfield units, meaning Niang would be left to compete for either the trequartista or centre-forward position. 

The best loan destination is Atalanta, as the Oribici have the biggest need and can offer the pitch time Niang needs to develop. 

Selling the Frenchman seems contrary to the Milan brass' oft-paraded youth movement, yet Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t AC Milan News Twitter Page) is reporting Newcastle is keen on signing Niang. 

"

Newcastle have sent an offer for Niang to Milan, according to GdS.

— AC Milan News (@Milanello) December 31, 2014"

Valued at €4.5 million by Transfermarkt, Niang does hold some value as he's under contract through the 2016-17 season. 

Selling Bryan Cristante shows Milan are willing to part with a promising starlet for quick cash, and should an offer near the club's valuation come in, Niang is good as gone. 

Despite the flashes he's shown in his young career, Milan probably wouldn't think twice about selling a player who has a growing list of off-field issues, which, via Reuters, includes an 18-month suspended prison sentence. 

At Newcastle, Niang would face heavy competition for playing time, though inconsistent performances from Yoan Gouffran and Remy Cabella may have forced former manager Alan Pardew to explore his options. 

Felice Calabro'/Associated Press

The final choice would be to retain and field the enigmatic forward. 

One can't help but notice Niang's ability on the ball as his pace and trickery make him a handful. 

What he does struggle with is delivering the final ball and finishing off his chances, two things he can't improve upon from the bench. 

As Pippo Inzaghi continues to settle on the personnel capable of playing his brand of football, Niang is falling further out of the first-team picture. 

Stephan El Shaarawy, Keisuke Honda and Giacomo Bonaventura have dominated the chances out wide, while Alessio Cerci's arrival further dims Niang's prospects. 

Without a meaningful role in Inzaghi's side, it's wasteful for Milan to persist with Niang. 

The front office needs to come to a decision this January transfer window, as Milan are doing nothing but stymieing his growth. 

As he's been with Milan for over two years, the club knows all there is to know about Niang. If they've liked what they've seen, loan him out this winter and help facilitate his development process. 

Even if Milan wish to eventually sell the Frenchman, an impressive loan spell will do nothing but increase the winger's transfer value and help the Rossoneri net a larger profit. 

Loaning M'Baye Niang this winter is the right move for both club and player.