AC Milan have reiterated an interest in signing Philippe Mexes if the Roma defender does not sign a new contract.

Mexes' current deal at Roma expires in the summer and he has yet to agree an extension at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Frenchman has been strongly linked with a move to Milan, although the Serie A leaders last month denied an agreement is already in place.

However, the Rossoneri's vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that the club would be willing to sign Mexes on a free transfer.

"If Mexes does not renew his contract with Roma, we are interested in the player," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 28-year-old joined Roma from Auxerre in 2004 and has been identified as a possible replacement for Milan defender Alessandro Nesta, whose contract also ends in the summer.