AC Milan are confident of winning the race for Manchester United outcast Memphis Depay.

The Sunday Express says Milan are waiting in the wings to snap up the 22-year-old in January.

Milan are flush following the sale of the club to a Chinese consortium and have been linked with a number of high-profile signings in recent weeks, including Cesc Fabregas.

The Italian club's manager Vincenzo Montella ruled out a move for the Chelsea midfielder this week but did admit Milan are in the market for a short-term replacement for Riccardo Montolivo.

Depay is under contract with United until June 2019 and has the option to extend for a further year.