Milan want Criscito to bolster defence and maintain title bid

AC Milan are planning a double swoop on Genoa as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Serie A standings.

Milan are currently 4/5 in the Serie A betting to land a first title since 2004 and looking at their squad they definitely have the attacking talent to preserve their present position and hold off challenges from the likes of Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma.

However, there are question marks about their squad depth in defence and it is this area that is primarily being targeted by coach Massimiliano Allegri.

It is believed that Allegri is pondering a move for left-back Domenico Criscito who has been ever present in the Genoa first team this season.

Furthermore, the consensus is that Milan will want a similar deal to that of Kevin Prince-Boateng, which is on an initial loan with an option of a permanent deal at the end of this period.

Although getting some added cover at centre back is a necessity for Milan, Allegri has been troubled all season when it comes to finding a first-choice left back.

Luca Antonini has been mainly employed in the role, while Gianluca Zambrotta and Daniele Bonera have also enjoyed short stints.

The one hurdle that Milan may have to overcome is the potential unwillingness of Genoa to lose another of their star defenders after Andrea Ranocchia recently headed back to Inter.

Milan are also reportedly speaking to Genoa in relation to signing Prince-Boateng to a permanent deal after his loan finishes, with the midfielder playing a pivotal role in the club earning a four-point lead at the head of the league standings.

Next up for Milan in the league is a trip to Lecce and they are 1/2 in the Serie A betting odds to win for the 13th time in the Italian top flight this season.

A £25 bet on AC Milan beating Lecce 2-1 could see a return of £175. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.