AC Milan 'hoping to conclude Hakim Ziyech deal in January'

AC Milan reportedly remain interested in securing a deal for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.

Throughout the summer transfer window, the Serie A champions were frequently linked with a move for the Morocco international who had seemingly fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

However, despite constant talk over his future and the arrival of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, the playmaker remained in West London.

The 29-year-old has since endured a frustrating period under Graham Potter, rarely featuring in any of the Englishman's opening run of fixtures.

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From the middle of September through to the end of October, Ziyech was given just 26 minutes of football spread across four substitute appearances.

Ziyech was finally provided with a start in the EFL Cup tie at Manchester City on October 9, and his lively outing led to a 17-minute cameo at Newcastle United three days later.

Nevertheless, with just over 18 months remaining on his contract, there will inevitably be more speculation regarding the next phase of his career when he returns from the World Cup.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are still open to negotiating a deal with Chelsea as they bid to strengthen their squad in January.

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The report claims that club officials are confident that they can secure Ziyech's signature for a fee less than €20m (£17.5m).

However, the Rossoneri will allegedly have to try to reach a compromise with Ziyech over wages, his current income said to be in the region of €6m (£5.25m).

Stefano Pioli's side have enjoyed a relatively strong first half to the season, collecting 33 points from 15 Serie A matches and qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Nevertheless, despite being in second position in the domestic standings, they sit eight points adrift of unbeaten Napoli and just three points ahead of fifth-placed Inter Milan.