Monaco defender Cedric Mongongu is close to signing for Italian giants Milan, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The 20-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo international has been a key part of Les Rouge et Blanc this season, having missed out on only one game after 15 rounds in the Ligue 1.

He has reportedly been on the Rossoneri radar for a while, and is believed to have attracted the interest of Scudetto rivals Juventus as well.

The passage to the last 16 in the Champions League has ensured an injection of €20 million into the club, and it is speculated that this sum will be used to replenish the squad in the January transfer window.

The club’s technical director, Ariedo Braida, allegedly said: “A player like Mongongu is vital for our team, especially after injuries to Thiago Silva, Massimo Oddo and Gianluca Zammbrotta.”

A bonus in signing the Congolese youngster is that he holds a French passport, which would ensure that he would not eat into the club’s quota of none-EU players.  He will also be eligible to represent the Diavoli in the Champions League.

Alex Milic, Football Italiano