Italian Champions Target Three Man City Stars - Report
Reports indicate AC Milan could be looking at Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Aleksandr Kolarov, as the former domestic champions prepare to reclaim their crown from Juventus
The transfer merry-go-round at the Etihad is only just starting to get interesting, after reports linking Arsenal captain Robin van Persie to the club have been followed by hints that Italian champions AC Milan could be set to raid the English champions for three of their high-profile stars.
The San Siro outfit could have a considerable amount of transfer funds to hand, following the reported sale of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Brazilian defender Thiago Silva to French club Paris St Germain for a combined £51.5mn fee. There are now reports the Italians could use some of this newfound wealth to tempt away strikers Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, as well as left back Aleksandr Kolarov, from Manchester City.
The Serie A champions were strongly linked with Argentinean forward Tevez, particularly during his troubled stand-off with City bosses and manager Roberto Mancini over the Champions League disciplinary incident. However, the player's subsequent recall to the City first team and good performances thereafter seemed to suggest the two sides had made up their differences and an ESPN report quoted Tevez as saying he was "settled" at City. Milan, nevertheless, seem keen on their man now, with a bid of about £20mn proposed by a report in the Mirror.
The sale of Ibrahimovic and Silva to PSG, when it is confirmed, could save as much as £130mn in wages for Milan, meaning they should be able to offer Tevez, Dzeko and Kolarov competitive wage packages in addition to the promise of first team football.
Kolarov, meanwhile, has been linked to Milan by a report in the Metro, which suggests he could be available for as little as £7mn, despite costing City a cool £16mn when signed from Lazio in 2010. The 26 year old Serbian international has not had a great time in England, however, having lost his first team slot to French left back Gael Clichy. It is understood Kolarov is looking for assurances regarding his City future and should they not be forthcoming, a move to Milan is a distinct possibility.
Finally, Bosnian striker Dzeko has also been linked with the Rossoneri, although this may be a case of one-or-the-other - that is, if Milan fail to land Tevez, they might turn their attention to Dzeko. Nevertheless, it seems certain the 26 year old Bosnian's future lies away from Manchester, with the Daily Mail reporting Serie A champions Juventus could be set to rival Milan for his signature. Dzeko joined City from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, for £27mn.
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