AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez has revealed he is very close to signing a contract extension with the Serie A club.

The France international was linked with a €60m (£50m) switch to Chelsea at the end of last month but the 24-year-old says he is happy to sign a new deal with the Rossoneri:

“We are at an advanced stage. I’ve been very happy here since the first day and we are in talks. I work every day to become the best. Paolo Maldini often helps with advice too.”

Hernandez has effectively put an end to any speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

In terms of alternatives, Barcelona’s Sergino Dest, Everton’s Lucas Digne and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico have all been mentioned as potential options but manager Thomas Tuchel seems to have prioritised attempts to get Emerson Palmieri back from his loan spell at Lyon.

It won’t be a straightforward process, though. Lyon have an option to buy the Italian international and there is no way the Blues can recall the player. It means Chelsea will have to pay compensation to the French club in order to secure the defender’s return.