ROME, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Italian AC Milan's moves to reinforce an ageing, injury-hit defense look set to be at the center of the January transfer market, which officially opens Thursday.

    Milan, who are lying a lowly 12th in the Serie A, have already agreed terms with Argentine club Racing Avellaneda for 22-year-old left-back Leandro Grimi, local media reported.

    Coach Carlo Ancelotti rates the newcomer highly, describing him as "a very interesting youngster".

    But Milan's main target is Lazio's Italy right-back Massimo Oddo, whom they tried to tempt north in the summer.

    The Lazio captain is in fine form, providing a constant threat on the wing without neglecting his defensive duties as well as scoring goals from free kicks and penalties.

    Lazio president Claudio Lotito is reportedly willing to sell but wants to wait until after January 21, as he would hate to see Oddo playing for the opposition when the two sides meet that day.

    According to the Italian sports press, Milan are willing to give Lazio six million euros plus midfielder Pasquale Foggia - whois already at Lazio on loan - to land Oddo's services.

    Milan need fresh faces in a back-line that currently has an average age well over the 30 mark and has been ravaged by a string of injuries.

    Many of the wounded stars should have recovered by the time the season restarts after the Christmas break but Alessandro Nesta and Serginho will probably still be in sick bay on January 13.

    The six-time European champions may bolster their attack, if the right opportunities pop up, although this is not thought to be a priority.

    Among the options Ancelotti is said to be considering are Udinese's Azzurri forward Vincenzo Iaquinta and Monaco's Italian striker Marco Di Vaio, who is looking to return to Serie A. Torino are interested in bringing Di Vaio back to Italy too, the reports said.

    Ancelotti also likes Real Madrid's troubled Italian striker Antonio Cassano, who is reportedly out of favor with coach Fabio Capello. However, Milan are wary of approaching Real for the player, the press says, because the Spanish side may press to have Brazil star Kaka in return.