Motta speaks with Abate before Primavera game amid Milan links – video

Bologna coach Thiago Motta was spotted having a conversation with AC Milan Primavera boss Ignazio Abate ahead of a match between the two Primavera teams on Wednesday.

Captured by Sportitalia cameras, the two Italians can be seen chatting with Motta wearing his Bologna training clothes and Abate dressed to take the touchline in Bologna.

Whilst it cannot be known what the pair were discussing, many are assuming that Motta may have been speaking to Abate about the Milan coaching position which could soon be available and which Motta has been heavily linked with.

Motta has done a superb job at Bologna and is out of contract in the summer, meaning he has been linked with a host of jobs. Juventus and Milan seem to be the most serious about signing Motta, but Premier League side Chelsea are also linked.

Abate is viewed as one of the outside candidates for the role, given he has done well in charge of the youth team and would not require a fee to prize away from an existing club. That is one of the marks against Roberto De Zerbi, as Brighton would need €13m to release him from his contract as per the clause they inserted.