Niang absent from Milan's Coppa Italia squad amid transfer talk

Ostracised left winger M'Baye Niang could leave AC Milan before the end of the January transfer window, manager Vincenzo Montella confirmed Tuesday, with West Ham, Genoa, Everton, and Crystal Palace all reportedly interested in the 22-year-old.

As a result of growing speculation, Montella decided to exclude the Frenchman from his 25-man squad for Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final against Juventus.

"Niang might leave the club. He's discussing it with the management," Montella said. "Should he stay, I would treat him like every other player. He's had ups and downs over his career, and the same has happened this year."

Following a string of frustrating performances, Niang is no longer a guaranteed starter for the resurgent Rossoneri. The Caen product was whistled by the San Siro faithful after missing a penalty kick in a 2-1 win over Crotone last month, one of two spot kicks he has botched this season.

The arrival of Gerard Deulofeu on a season-long loan from Everton has also put Niang's future in doubt, considering the right-footed Spaniard is more likely to play on the left of Milan's attack.

Deulofeu was selected for Wednesday's clash against the five-time defending Serie A champion.

Niang already spent halves of two seasons on loan from Milan - in 2014 with Montpelier and in 2015 with Genoa.

Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio suggests Niang could rejoin Genoa on loan for the remainder of the campaign, but the player would prefer a move to the Premier League.

Leicester City reportedly saw a €16-million bid rejected during the 2016 January transfer window.