Monaco have officially knocked back a bid from Newcastle United for Aymen Abdennour, while AC Milan are stepping up their efforts to sign the centre-back.
Abdennour is becoming an increasingly hot property in the transfer market this summer, with his agent talking up the number of sides interested in signing his client.
Clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham have all been linked with Abdennour, as have Newcastle.
According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Newcastle offered €15m for Abdennour last week, a proposal which was quickly knocked back by Monaco.
The principality club value the tough-tackling defender at north of €20m, with €28m reported as being the price they are now looking for.
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At present it is AC Milan making the running for Abdennour and their initial proposal to Monaco is just shy of the €20m mark.
The Rossoneri are desperate to bolster their squad this summer as they aim to challenge for a top three spot in Serie A next season. Abdennour however has a preference for the Premier League at present.
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