AC Milan have been tipped to edge out Liverpool in the race to sign Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak.
The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with a January move for Kabak as a result of long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
However, according to FIFA agent Gaetano Di Caro, Milan have emerged as the favourites to secure a deal for the highly-regarded 20-year-old.
Speaking to Milannews.It, Di Caro said: "From what I heard, and I spoke personally to the Schalke general manager about some transfer interest, he's been in talks with Milan for some time.
"Here in Germany they are certain Milan are already very close to Kabak. The Rossoneri have been after him for a while and were already close when Stuttgart were relegated, but he followed his director to Schalke.
"I also heard that Kabak praised Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara, they were the only club that gave him a real sense they wanted him at all costs."
Milan are said to be ready to pay £22m for the Turkey international, who has made seven outings in the Bundesliga this season.
Darren Plant
