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With the transfer window now open, Diego Lopez could be the next player to depart Milan this January. As Adriano Galliani looks to trim the squad in order to raise funds for potential moves over the coming weeks, it appears the experienced Spaniard could be the next one on the chopping block.
Premier League duo Everton and Bournemouth have both been linked with moves for Milan's injured no. 1 this week as they look to improve upon their current options between the posts. Interest from the Premier League is nothing new in Lopez's case as Everton's city rivals Liverpool have also been linked with him as of late to improve their chances of qualifying for European competition.
Diego Lopez was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dire 2014/15 season for Milan that ended with a 10th place finish and no European football. His heroic displays between the sticks won him many plaudits from Milanisti and at one stage was possibly all that stood between Milan and a relegation dogfight. Despite a poor start to the season that saw him lose his place to 16 year old sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma (himself the subject of some especially irritating and probably false transfer rumours), many Milan supporters would be sad to see the Spaniard go. It would also put Milan in a precarious position given the doubt over Christian Abbiati's future and the fact that Donnarumma, for all his talent is just 16 and prone to ups and downs. Allowing Lopez to leave would represent a significant show of faith in the young prodigy and one that could way heavily on him if handled incorrectly.
Whether Lopez would want to join relegation strugglers Bournemouth is questionable, but Everton could be a good move for the Spanish custodian if his time at Milan truly is up. It seems unlikely Milan would receive a significant fee for the player given his age and poor form, but as a free signing, anything stands as a profit and it would also free up the wage bill somewhat to allow for any new arrivals. Milan might want to try and keep hold of Diego Lopez just a little longer however, all things considered -- his value as a security blanket in goal might outweigh the salary relief.