Milan director Paolo Maldini insists they are not working on Kris Ajer or Nikola Milenkovic, and won’t make Champions League ‘proclamations.’

Their Serie A season kicks off against Bologna at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.

Milan director Paolo Maldini insists they are not working on Kris Ajer or Nikola Milenkovic, and won’t make Champions League ‘proclamations.’

Their Serie A season kicks off against Bologna at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.

“For many years, pre-season proclamations have put Milan in the Champions League and for seven years we didn’t qualify,” Maldini told Sky Sport Italia.

“A different project started this year with the confirmation of Stefano Pioli. Our stated objective is not to qualify for the Champions League, but to give it our best and attempt to get as close to it as possible.

“We don’t set limits for ourselves, but want to build on what we saw in the closing weeks of last season.”

The transfer window is still open after Milan brought in Brahim Diaz and Sandro Tonali.

“We had some priorities and achieved those targets. We have an idea of how to build this team, shared with the club owners. We tried to get the best players available and also keeping an eye on the finances, so we are consistent with the way we approached things last term.

“We still have two preliminary rounds for the Europa League and if we qualify for that tournament, then we’ll have a very intense fixture list.

“The priority right now is undoubtedly a centre-back, as we have injury problems there. With the arrival of Tonali, our midfield is more than suitable.”

The targets most mentioned in the newspapers are Celtic defender Ajer and Fiorentina’s Milenkovic.

“I’d say no… These two could be in the list, but to be entirely honest, they are not the names we are working on right now.”

Does Maldini feel he shoulders the responsibility of ensuring Milan maintain the Rossoneri identity?

“I do feel this responsibility for my past, for the bond my family as with this club and for the fans who consider me a guarantee.

“Since we started this process in July 2018, there have been enormous changes, above all since I was sat at home watching the games on television. You often say things without realising the reality of working as a director, so that experience has allowed me to grow and develop.”

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