Calhanoglu to Man United? Pioli addresses future of Milan star

As contract extension talks continue to stall, the Turkey international remains heavily linked with a move away from San Siro.

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has made it clear that he wants ‘fantastic’, ‘intelligent’, and ‘top player’ Hakan Calhanoglu to stay at the club amid the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Manchester United are supposedly hot on the trails of Calhanoglu who will be free to sign a pre-contract for 2021-22 come January with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

The Serie A leaders have been working on renewing the attacking midfielder out of fear of losing him for free.

Also, they do not wish to let go of one of their top performers who has contributed six goals and nine assists across all competitions this season.

Milan have been unable to make any breakthrough in the contract extension talks with Calhanoglu so far, but Pioli suggests there is no reason to be worried.

“Calha is fantastic, he is intelligent, he can move well, he knows how to attack and he knows how to connect the game. He sacrifices himself,” said the Italian manager, via Goal.

“I want him at this level, he is a top player. I don’t think there are problems. Calha is with us and with the club. I’m sure that his will is to stay, there is a negotiation.

“The club, technical area, the player and I want the same thing, he has reached important levels and can still grow. He’s a player to bet on.”