AC Milan have cancelled negotiations over the sale of Stefan Simic to Hajduk Split after the injury to first-choice defender Alex, who came off during their recent fixture with Empoli.

The Rossoneri have a number of central defenders on the treatment table currently, namely Rodrigo Ely and Philippe Mexes.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza side will now look to hang on to Simic.The

Milan now have only Cristian Zapata and Alessio Romagnoli available as central defenders, hence the need to keep Simic.

Simic is one of the more experienced youngsters at 21 years of age but has yet to play a competitive match for the club.

Hajduk Split were poised to welcome Simic who had already arrived in Croatia, but Milan have recalled him to Italy.

With a crucial Coppa Italia clash on Tuesday, the Rossoneri need Simic on hand, but could still leave afterwards.

The transfer market doesn’t close in Croatia until February 15 so negotiations could continue at a later date.