Former Leicester City and Southampton manager Claude Puel was a target for AC Milan last month, it has been revealed.

Now in charge of St Etienne, Puel was wanted by Milan as a replacement for Marco Giampaolo ahead of them appointing Stefano Pioli.

France Football says Puel was the favoured option for Milan chief exec Ivan Gazidis.

However, the former Arsenal chief was overruled by football directors Paolo Maldini and Zvonimir Boban as they turned to Pioli.

Puel was named ASSE coach a fortnight ago.