Paolo Di Canio has dismissed suggestions that Eric Bailly could be heading for AC Milan, with the former Italy striker unconvinced by the Manchester United defender.
Bailly has been linked with a move to the Serie A giants, with Milan on the lookout for a new centre-back after suffering an injury crisis in defence.
Veteran Danish international Simon Kjaer has been ruled out for the rest for the season with a knee problem, while Fikayo Tomori is set to be sidelined for a month with a similar issue.
A number of defenders have been linked with a move to the San Siro as Milan weigh up their options, although Bailly’s name has been the most prominent one mentioned.
The 27-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been linked with a move on loan for the remainder of the season.
Di Canio, though, feels Milan could be making a mistake by targeting the United defender, insisting Bailly wouldn’t make the same impact as Tomori — who has impressed since making the move to Italy from Chelsea last year.
“Bailly has had physical issues, and he is not a player like Tomori,” he told Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia ).
“On paper, he has similar characteristics, but sometimes he runs too many risks and is not as aggressive defensively. He may do well, but he is not a player like Tomori who arrived with a great desire to emerge.”
Bailly’s links to Milan would appear to be strange, given his own injury record during his time at Old Trafford and with the Italian side in need of some cover for the remainder of the season.
Nevertheless, reports have suggested the two club could be in talks, although an agreement isn't close at this stage.
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