Allegri rates Maignan amid contract speculation
Mike Maignan played a starring role during AC Milan's victory over Inter Milan last weekend, but the goalkeeper's contract is due to expire and speculation over his future remains a talking point ahead of Milan's meeting with Lazio on Sunday (AEDT).
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed Mike Maignan as among the strongest goalkeepers around, and revealed the club is working on a deal to renew his contract.
Maignan played a starring role during Milan's derby victory over rival Inter Milan last weekend, saving Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty as the Rossoneri held out for a 1-0 win.
It marked Milan's first clean sheet in Serie A against Inter since April 2018, while the France international has now saved three of the past six penalties he has faced in the league.
Maignan's consistent performances between the sticks have seen the Rossoneri lose just once in Serie A this season, the joint-fewest defeats in the division along with Como.
However, the 30-year-old's future is uncertain, with his existing contract set to expire next June, but Allegri suggested the club is addressing the situation.
"Mike has always been among the strongest goalkeepers around," Allegri said. "I'm not surprised by his performance [against Inter].
"I'm happy, I see him calm, and he's confirming his qualities on the pitch. From a contractual point of view, the club is working to give this team a future and stability."
Milan is second in Serie A, two points behind leader Roma, ahead of welcoming eighth-place Lazio to San Siro.
The Biancocelesti are six points adrift of the top four, but Allegri is wary of the threat Maurizio Sarri's side possesses.
"Another match awaits us that could allow us to get closer to the final goal," he said. "[It] will be very complicated.
"Lazio, in the past 10 years, has won trophies, played in the [UEFA] Champions League, is a valuable and well-trained team. Sarri is doing a great job with a very organised team, which actually concedes little."
