Milan's case for the defence not over: Galliani

AC Milan still hope to reinforce their defence despite the recent capture of France centre-back Philippe Mexes and Nigeria full-back Taye Taiwo, administrative delegator Adriano Galliani said on Tuesday.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri announced the signing of Mexes and Taiwo on Monday, with both players joining the club as of next season.

However Galliani said they will look to add more defenders as the seven-time European champions go in search of an eighth continental title.

"We will try to strengthen a team that is already in good shape and didn't win the title by some sort of fluke," Galliani said.

"I don't want to give any names but I will say that we will do something in defence."

Galliani refused to speculate on highly-rated Brazilian pair Neymar and Ganso and also all but ruled out a bid for Palermo's Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore.

"He's a little similar to Kaka but we already have excellent players in that position," added Galliani.

Milan's quest to unearth new stars is being motivated by their bid to launch a renewed challenge for the Champions League title.

They have not gone beyond the last 16 in Europe since last winning the continent's premier club competition in 2007, and that is not something that sits comfortably with the powers that be.

"Our aim this season was to interrupt Inter's hegemony in Italy and as you saw, we achieved that," said Galliani, referring to Milan ending Inter's five-year reign at the top of the domestic pile.

"But, even considering the title as an objective of absolute importance, I can announce that next season we will return to our natural hierarchy of priorities and aim to reclaim the Champions League."

Galliani paid tribute to Allegri for securing the scudetto crown in his first season in charge, and after ony two years experience in Serie A.

"The choice of the coach was one of the strong points in this victory. It's never easy to choose one but you have to go with your instinct," he said.

"Our president (Silvio) Berlusconi thought Allegri had the shoulders for the role."

"We normally go for a coach who believes in the beautiful game and that's been consistent during our 25 years of managing the club."

"It happened with (Arigo) Sacchi 25 years ago when four times in a row we saw (Sacchi's) Parma playing well against us and it's happened with Allegri."

"We saw Sassuolo playing well and then also Cagliari (both under Allegri)."