AC MILAN have paused contract talks with Gianluigi Donnarumma after a group of ultras confronted the star goalkeeper at the club’s training ground.
Donnarumma’s deal with Milan runs out in June and reports suggest that Premier League giants Manchester United as well as Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.
There have also been rumours claiming that the Italy international was holding talks with Juventus over a potential Serie A switch in the summer.
As a result, tensions rose on Saturday when a group of hard-line supporters went to the club’s Milanello complex to address the situation directly with the Italy star, according to ANSA
The fans reportedly ordered Donnarumma not to play against Juventus on Sunday in Turin unless he puts pen to paper on a new contract with the Rossoneri.
After the incident, Milan legend and technical director Paolo Maldini said the club has paused contract renewal talks with the young shot-stopper until the end of the season.
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Maldini told ANSA: “It’s important to firmly reiterate that no one outside of AC Milan can decide who plays and who renews their contract.
“Certain choices are up to the coach, regarding the football pitch, and up to the club, regarding contractual matters.”
Maldini added that Milan’s decision to halt contract doesn’t only apply for Donnarumma.
Hakan Calhanoglu’s deal also comes up in June and the attacking midfielder has yet to agree to new terms.
Maldini added: “From this moment every single renewal negotiation is frozen until the end of the season, to allow the team to focus solely on the league.
“In the meantime, we will continue to protect our players as we have always done.”
Donnarumma recently put talks with Milan and Juventus on hold as he wants to play in the Champions League next season, according to a recent report by Sky Sport Italia.
Juve and the Rossoneri are not certain to feature in next season’s competition as they are still battling for a top-four finish in Serie A.
United, on the other hand, are highly likely to finish second in the Premier League but are currently spoilt for choice in goal with David de Gea and Dean Henderson in the squad.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and playing in the Champions League semi-finals.
But Blues manager Thomas Tuchel seems to have full faith in Edouard Mendy between the sticks.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
