AC Milan are weighing up a January move for Nathan Ake to cover defender Simon Kjaer, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

According to The Sun, the Italian giants have identified the Holland international as a potential target.

But persuading City to let the centre-back leave this month could prove tricky.

City are keen to keep their squad in tact as they battle for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup as well as looking to maintain cover against any potential Covid outbreaks.

Ake has largely found first-team opportunities hard to come by at City since joining in a £40m move from Bournemouth in August 2020.

But the 26-year-old has started City’s last three matches. Overall, he has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the club so far this season.

City currently lead the Premier League table by 10 points over Chelsea and 11 over Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

They are next in action on Saturday, when they face Ake’s old club Chelsea at the Etihad stadium in the day’s early kick-off.

Milan, meanwhile are second in Serie A and a point behind leaders and rivals Inter although have played a game more.

Kjaer sustained the injury last month, in his side’s 3-0 victory against Genoa.