Maldini says Milan have been eyeing Chelsea's Tomori since the summer

Milan

is currently leading in Serie A. 

Forward player, Mario Mandzukic is only a medical away from returning to the team to support Zlatan Ibrahimovic's attack.

Maldini

ignored to say how close Milan were to strike the deal with the 23-year-old Tomori, but if completed it would finish a long-term pursuit.

“There is a big difference between almost caught and caught,” Maldini

was asked about the move for

Tomori

and said:

“It's a creative market. 

“If we followed him and tried to catch him a few months ago, in the summer, it means that we have glimpsed the right characteristics in him to coexist with our defenders."

Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard believes a loan move will be helpful for

Tomori

.

“This year we have five centre-backs, so the predicament is difficult for centre-backs who are not playing regularly,”

Lampard

announced

.

"And that's why he may go out on loan for his development, he's a young player and he's had a huge rise in the last two or so seasons since I've been working with him. That will continue and we'll find the best path for that."

Croatian forward, Mandzukic is going to be a

Milan

player and

Maldini

believes his characteristics will fit well in the team.

"We know his character well,”

Maldini

added.

“We have direct contact with the coach who must give his okay to the deal. The club decides.

"In football, just the 'good guys' are not enough, not that Mario isn't. 

“The group also draws on those who are slightly different; I’m not talking about Mario but in general."

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