Milan’s problems over Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa mean the club is returning to Cagliari for Davide Astori instead.

The Rossoneri need a new centre-back after losing both Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva this summer.

Their prime target is Yanga-Mbiwa, but Montpellier are refusing to release him for less than €18m, whereas the offer was just €6m.

According to Tuttosport, the difficulties in France have prompted Milan to change tack and return to one of their previous options.

Astori has already turned down a proposal from Spartak Moscow, as he did not want to go to Russia.

Cagliari have repeatedly stated they won’t sell 25-year-old Astori to Milan, but they hope the presence of ex-Sardinian Coach Massimiliano Allegri can sway them.

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