Skip to main content

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that Nigeria left-back Taye Taiwo will join the Italian champions in the off-season.

The 26-year-old will move on a free transfer as his contract with Olympique Marseille of France expires at the end of the season.

"In defence, Milan are sorted. We have taken (Philippe) Mexes and Taiwo," Allegri said on Monday.

France centre-back Mexes will also join on a free transfer, from AS Roma.

The 29-year-old, who has been at Roma for seven seasons, is set to replace Alessandro Nesta, 35, in the centre of defence alongside Brazilian Thiago Silva.

Taiwo becomes the fourth African on Milan's books – joining Ghana's Keving-Prince Boateng, Sierra Leone's Rodney Strasser and fellow Nigerian Nnamdi Oduamadi.

The Super Eagle has had a successful spell with Marseille playing a pivotal role in their first league title in 18 years last term and scoring the only goal in last month's League Cup final victory.

He joined Marseille in 2005, going on to make over 200 appearances for the club while also gaining Uefa Champions League experience.

Milan's ageing squad is in need of renewal despite their Scudetto triumph and a possible first league and cup double.

The Rossoneri play the second leg of their Italian Cup semi-final second leg in Palermo on Tuesday evening, with the tie level at 2-2 after the first leg.

Milan will be contesting next season's Champions League after wrapping up their first Serie A title in seven years on Saturday.

A goalless draw away to Roma took Milan to 78 points, currently six more than city rivals Inter with two games left to play.

But head-to-head results decide the destination of the championship in the event of a tie, and the Rossoneri won both league matches between the sides.

Milan's triumph brings to an end a run of five successive league titles for Inter Milan.

Source: BBC