Guardian: Brighton eyeing up De Zerbi replacements – what it means for Milan

AC Milan have been heavily interested in Roberto De Zerbi recently, and a report today has suggested that Brighton are already beginning to evaluate candidates to replace him on the South Coast.

This morning, reports emerged that Milan have enquired about De Zerbi, and have been told there is a €15 million clause in his contract to allow him to move away from the Seagulls, and there is a chance that this could be activated by the Rossoneri or another club.

This afternoon, a report from English outlet The Guardian suggested that Brighton are eyeing up Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna to lead them forward if De Zerbi leaves the club in the summer. However, the report believes that the likelihood of him leaving is becoming increasingly high.

As the report states, the relationship between the club and the Italian is gradually deteriorating, with De Zerbi believing that his ambitions may be higher than what the Seagulls can provide, given their model of selling players for high fees.

The news is the latest turn of events in Milan’s managerial hunt, and given they are already at risk of losing one of their primary targets – Thiago Motta to Juventus, they may have to bite the bullet on the €15m clause to ensure they land a manager who they like, rather than being forced to settle on a candidate who may not entirely convince them.