AC Milan add Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to their 'shortlist' of managers to succeed outgoing coach Stefano Pioli... as Italian side 'identify several alternatives to Julen Lopetegui'

AC Milan have reportedly identified Roberto De Zerbi as one of several managers who could succeed outgoing boss Stefano Pioli. 

Julen Lopetegui had also been heavily linked with a move to take over the Serie A giants, but in the past few days, it appears Milan are 'looking for alternative options to the ex-Wolves boss', according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Reports claim that Pioli is set to leave his position as Milan's head coach at the end of the season. The decision was taken after the Italian side were beaten by neighbours Inter Milan 2-1 last week, with the victory also seeing their rivals clinch the Serie A title. 

But speculation that Lopetegui could be appointed the next Milan boss attracted widespread scrutiny from many Milan fans. Supporters took to social media writing the hastag '#Nopetegui', while a petition reportedly appeared online that had 10,000 signatures in less than 48 hours. 

It appears, according to Gazzetta, that the Serie A side will instead turn their attention to several other managers, one of which includes Brighton boss De Zerbi. 

The outlet claims that the move to Milan would be 'one that fascinates' De Zerbi, but they add that the Rossoneri would be required to 'meet his £12million (€15m) release clause'.

He is joined by Paulo Fonseca, Mark Van Bommel, with the Brighton boss having already been linked with a move to Manchester United, should the Red Devils part ways with Erik ten Hag.

De Zerbi was also touted to be a strong candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp before the Reds swooped in to land Arne Slot from Feyenoord. 

The ex-Sassuolo coach is coming to the end of his second season in charge of Brighton and has struggled to build on the success his side enjoyed last season, finishing sixth while qualifying for the Europa League. 

The Seagulls were recently knocked out of the Europa League, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Roma in the round of 16, and have dropped to 12th this season, having not won a game since they beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the AMEX Stadium on March 10. 

Yet, De Zerbi has previously issued some warnings to Brighton that they need to match his ambitions should they want him to stay in charge at the club next season. Bayern Munich have also been keeping tabs on the Italian coach, who has two years left on his contract at the AMEX. 

‘What’s the target? For what are we playing [for]?’ De Zerbi said, when asked what had given him doubts at the start of this season.

‘I have already spoken with Tony and in the future we will speak about the next plan and the next season and to organise the next season and then we find the solution. We both have to be happy [about the targets] - myself and the club.’

He continued: ‘I have another two years of contract and to work next season at Brighton I don’t need to extend another year or another two years. I can stay, I can work at Brighton with an extension, without an extension, nothing changes.

’At the moment we finished the discussion about the contract but not because I decided yet to leave, no no. 

'My focus is on Brighton for this season and the next season - but the next season, before starting that, I would like to speak and to listen to the plan of the team. I think it’s a serious thing.’

Despite that, De Zerbi claimed in March that he had no immediate plans to make a Serie A comeback, having risen through the youth ranks of AC Milan as a youngster. 

'It's not true that I don't think about it, the 44-year-old said when questioned on a move back to the Italian top flight. 

'But, usually, I do what makes me happy and right now, that's to be where I am. 

'One day I will come back to Italy. I don't know when but when I made the choice to go to Shakhtar I did it because I wanted to find a way outside Italy.'