Real Madrid 'In Talks To Sign Liverpool And Tottenham Target On Free Transfer'

AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is in talks to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer, according to reports in Spain.

Kessie’s current deal with Milan runs out in June and the 25-year-old midfielder has stalled on signing a new contract at the San Siro.

Kessie is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs this month and the Ivory Coast international could now be set for a move to La Liga.

The report claims Madrid are now favourites to land Kessie after club president Florentino Perez sent representatives to Milan to hold talks this week.

The news could come as a blow to Liverpool and Tottenham, who have both been linked with a move for the midfielder.

Reports in Italy claim Tottenham were ready to make a bid for Kessie this month - a straight swap deal that would have seen Tanguy Ndombele head to the San Siro.

Kessie has scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 205 appearances for Milan after initially arriving on a two-year loan from Atalanta in 2017.

The Ivorian made the move permanent in 2019 and has developed into a key player for Stefano Pioli’s side, who are currently second in Serie A – one point behind leaders Inter Milan, who have a game in hand.

When asked in a Q&A on Twitter who he would like Liverpool to sign in January, Sky Sports pundit Carragher said: “Jude Bellingham & the summer window is fine for me!”