Report: AC Milan eyes loan deal for Chelsea's Fernando Torres as alternative to Manchester City's Carlos Tevez

Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

AC Milan is exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea striker Fernando Torres on a six-month loan deal in the event that it fails to recruit Carlos Tevez from Manchester City, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

The Rossoneri are keen to boost their attacking options in the second half of the season because of the lengthy absence of Antonio Cassano due to health problems, and they have earmarked Tevez as the perfect candidate to strengthen their squad.

However, Milan is only interested in signing the Argentina international on loan, while City wants to offload Tevez permanently.

As a result, the Serie A champions are reportedly looking at alternatives and they have now set their sights on Fernando Torres.

Milan is believed to be close to finalizing a deal with Catania for striker Maxi Lopez, but club owner Silvio Berlusconi is eager to acquire a high-profile player, and would rather sign Torres instead.

The Spain international has been unable to make an impact at Chelsea since joining the Blues from Liverpool in January 2010 for a fee of around 50 million pounds, and there has been plenty of speculation about his future in recent weeks.

It seems unlikely that Chelsea are open to farming the 27-year-old out on loan following recent comments from manager Andre Villas-Boas.