Crespo ready for contract talks

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo was flying to Italy today to begin talks about a new loan deal with AC Milan.

Crespo, who helped Argentina’s bid to qualify for the World Cup after scoring twice in last week’s 3-1 win against Brazil, is set to remain another year with the Italian giants.

The 29-year-old, who has been on international duty in South America, will arrive in Milan later today.

“The player (Crespo) is flying with me today (Tuesday) to Italy,” Crespo’s agent Fernando Hidalgo told PA International.

“We are meeting Chelsea this week before the player signs the new contract with Milan.

“There are still some minor details to clarify with Chelsea but in theory everything has been agreed.”

Crespo was an essential part of Milan’s success last season which saw them reach the final of the Champions League and also challenge for the Serie A title.

He scored a total of 18 goals for the Rossoneri in the 2004-05 campaign where ultimately they finished second in both competitions, losing out to Juventus in Serie A and Liverpool in Europe.