Milan have moved on to the centre-back market after closing the signing of Diego Moreira, with Gonçalo Inácio leading the list of names under consideration, according to Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport.
The pattern feels familiar. Earlier in the window, Milan first landed Gonçalo Ramos up front, then followed up by adding Mario Gila at the back. Corriere dello Sport sees the same two-step logic returning now: Moreira sorts the wing-back slot, and the next job is a new centre-back to sit alongside him.
Inácio is the first name on the wish list, a defender who was central to Rúben Amorim's work at Sporting CP and has been linked to Milan repeatedly in recent weeks. The appeal is obvious given the coach knows exactly what he offers.
The finances are where it gets complicated. Corriere dello Sport puts the Portugal international's value at around €40m, with a release clause set at €60m. Sporting have already cashed in on one central defender this summer, selling Diomande for €40m, which means they are under no pressure to let another one go.
Tuttosport suggests movement on the new defender could come as soon as the end of this week. The same report says the Tiago Gabriel idea has been shelved, with the young defender judged not yet ready to guarantee starting performances from day one at Milan.
Bringing in a centre-back of international standing would reshape the pecking order at the back. One of Koni De Winter or Matteo Gabbia would drop out of the regular starting line-up and be left fighting to reclaim a place.
For now, the price and Sporting's reluctance to sell are the two obstacles between Amorim and a reunion with his former defender.