Milan mulling over Cassano swoop

AC Milan have confirmed they are in negotiations with Sampdoria for striker Antonio Cassano.

Cassano discovered on Thursday night he will be suspended until January 31 and that his wages will be reduced by 50% for the duration of his contract as punishment for his bad behaviour back in October.

The 28-year-old Cassano wants out of Samp and AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed his club is working on acquiring the player.

He said: “Cassano would be a substitute for (injured striker Filippo) Inzaghi although he would have completely different characteristics. We will have to wait and see what Samp’s demands are and get an agreement with the player. Moreover, we need to understand who will pay the millions demanded by Madrid, which will not be paid by Milan.”

Sampdoria are supposed to pay Madrid — Cassano’s former club — €5m if they sell the player prior to his contract expiring in June 2013.

Cassano was dropped from Sampdoria’s squad back in October following a heated argument with club president Riccardo Garrone.