West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena is a potential target for AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.
AC Milan want a new centre-back to bolster their defence. Stefano Pioli has identified some targets, including Balbuena and Basel’s Blas Riveros.
Balbuena has been at West Ham since moving from Corinthians in summer 2018. The Paraguay international was a regular last season but he has not played as much this year.
Recently, Balbuena has reclaimed a spot in the starting line-up alongside Angelo Ogbonna with Issa Diop on the bench. In total, he has played 34 matches and scored twice for the Hammers.
Where would Balbuena exit leave West Ham?
Manuel Pellegrini rotates with three central defenders: Diop, Ogbonna and Balbuena. If AC Milan sign Balbuena, West Ham would need to promote one of the fringe players or sign a new defender.
Winston Reid is slowly coming back from injury so he could be one of the options. Summer signing Goncalo Cardoso has been impressing in the U23s so he is another option.
West Ham need to make a profit if they do decide to sell Balbuena. It needs to be worth the decision to sell in January. Plus, it needs to give the club funds to look at potential alternatives.
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