Ki future still uncertain as Milan look to seal a deal for the Korean star
KI Sung-yueng continues to be heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, but the Swansea City midfielder is thought to be keen on staying in the Premier League.
The South Korea international is out of contract in the summer after six seasons on the books with Swansea, and has stated he will not make a decision over his future until Swansea’s survival fate has been decided.
Initial discussions over an extension for the former Celtic player had taken place last autumn, but they were put on the backburner given Swansea’s desperate predicament at the foot of the Premier League table.
But Ki is free to hold discussions with potential suitors over a free summer transfer he is in the final six months of his contract, and he has been consistently named as a target for the Serie A side.
The latest report suggests the Rossoneri have as good as sealed a deal to sign Ki, but are waiting to see if they can land Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere – who is also out of contract in the summer – before committing to the move.
Milan look set to miss out on Champions League qualification, and are locked in a bottle to make it into the Europa League with Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Atalanta hot on their heels for the final European spot.
While Milan’s interest is genuine as Gennaro Gattuso looks to rebuild at the San Siro - and their sporting director Massimo Mirabelli knows the player having worked at Sunderland while the midfielder was on loan at the Stadium of Light - it is believed Ki’s preference would be to remain in English football - be that with Swansea or another club.
There had been suggestions from sources close to the player that a move to London would appeal.
West Ham were linked with him in January with the midfielder touted as a potential makeweight in the Andre Ayew deal – but the 29-year-old was less than complimentary about the Hammers at the time, stating he did not believe they were a better side than Swansea.
Ki and Carlos Carvalhal have been relaxed over the player’s future, although the Swans boss has said he would like to keep him should he remain in charge next season.
Ki himself had stated there was “a big possibility” he could sign a new deal at the Liberty in the wake of his winner against Burnley at the start of March.
“I had a conversation with Carlos in January because I wasn’t sure about my future with only six months left on my contract,” he said at the time.
“We had a good chat and, because I am a professional, I promised him I would work hard to the end of the season.
“I don’t want to focus on any other teams. I want to make sure Swansea stay in the Premier League – that’s all I want to do.
“I can think about my future after the final game of the season.
“I can’t decide now because now it is time to work for the team.
“I have to help Swansea stay in the league – it is always the team before me. I am an honest guy. I don’t lie to anyone, the manager or my team mates.
“I gave him my promise that I would keep on working for him.
“I can’t predict my future. I am not sure if any teams will come in for me. After the season I have to think about that.
“I have been here for six years and I want to be respectful to Swansea.
“I have good memories with the fans, my team-mates and the club.
“I can’t say 100% what my decision will be, but I will be here until the summer and then I will have to talk to the club and see what happens.
“There is a big possibility I could sign a new contract here, that’s why I can’t say what I am going to do after the season ends.”