It seemed destined to remain a pipe dream a few months ago, but in the last few days the idea of Roberto De Zerbi becoming the next AC Milan boss no longer appears as unrealistic as it did.

As MilanNews writes, this is not the season that De Zerbi thought he would experience at the helm of Brighton. After proving to be one of the big surprises of the last Premier League campaign, the Seagulls have slowed down this year.

The 'surprise factor' seems to have gone while they have had to deal with long absences for their star players, without failing to consider the difficulties posed by the transfer market and the replacement of some valuable pieces that Brighton were unable to keep such as Moises Caicedo.

In recent weeks Brighton seem to have deflated rapidly: having been battered in the Europa League round of 16 by Roma, they are struggling domestically too.

Yesterday they lost 3-0 at Bournemouth, which followed a 4-0 loss to city, a 1-1 draw with relegation-battling Burnley and a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, and the league table says that they are 12th.

More Stories / The Match Some of the momentum that suggested De Zerbi would coach a top European club next season has gone, but the options have decreased too.

Barcelona have decided to keep Xavi after having jumped through hoops, Chelsea's plans for Mauricio Pochettino are not yet clear while Bayern Munich look like going down the Ralf Rangnick route.

It is a potentially ideal scenario for the top Italian teams looking for a coach for next season (above all, Milan and Napoli) to be able to tempt De Zerbi, especially for the Rossoneri given his self-confessed attachment.