AC Milan may already be seven points off the pace in Serie A this season but that has not stopped Filippo Inzaghi’s side from taking a look at some potential January targets, and if reports are to be believed, it would appear they are showing a keen interest in the Argentine Primera. Boca duo, Lisandro Magallán and César Meli and River Plate youngster, Matías Kranevitter are all on the Rosseneri’s list.

Kranevitter has earned rave reviews during the first half of the Torneo Transición  under new River boss, Marcelo Gallardo. The 21-year-old has seamlessly slipped into the central midfield and his absence since breaking a metatarsal has been keenly felt in the Monumental.

Prior to the injury it is understood that Gerardo Martino was running the rule over the talented youngster with the view to a call-up to the Argentina squad and certainly the long term opinion of Kranevitter is that he will replace Mascherano in the centre of La Albiceleste midfield. His departure from River is inevitable but Gallardo will be hoping that it will not be in January and if it is, it will fetch a significant fee.

Across Buenos Aires, rivals Boca Juniors, have some youngsters of their own on Milan’s radar. Centre back, Lisandro Magallán is still on a high after scoring his side’s goal in last weekend’s Superclásico but the 21-year-old has also captained the Argentina under-20 side and is considered an excellent defensive prospect.

Further forward is César Meli, who only arrived in La Bombonera at the start of the season after being part of the Colón side that were relegated. Meli is a 22-year-old midfielder who boasts an excellent range of passing but with the industry and pace to break forward and support the attack. Many young players dwindle in the pressure cooker that is Boca Juniors but so far Meli has thrived.

AC Milan signing all three is of course a long shot but it will come as little surprise to both River Plate and Boca Juniors that these players are beginning to attract European interest.