Transfer Grades: Cavani, Giaccherini, Redmond, Poli and Ilicic

Andrea Poli – Sampdoria to AC Milan (£5m)

What’s the deal? AC Milan add a young destroyer who was once destined for the stars.

Is the price right? It’s probably slightly on the cheap side if anything. Only a couple of years ago, hopes were high in Italy that Poli could become a serious talent. He’s a very good Serie A player but hasn’t kicked on beyond that at Sampdoria.

Why sign him? Milan have lost long time defensive midfielder Ambrosini, so needed to replace him and continue to bring more youth in to the first team. They needed some tenacity alongside the elegance of Montolivo.

Why sell him? As with most Serie A clubs, financial times are hard at Sampdoria. He seems to have got stuck in his development there, so there was little more he could have achieved by staying in Genoa.

Will it work? Yes. He will get first team football, but more importantly, the challenge of playing for a club with Milan’s fanbase and prestige should see him take his game to the next level.

Grade: B+ He fills a need and comes at a solid price.