Milan confirm formal approach for Tevez

AC Milan have made an offer to Manchester City to sign Carlos Tevez on loan in January, the Italian club’s vice-president Adriano Galliani announced tonight.

Galliani claims an agreement is in place with the Argentina forward, but no deal has yet been reached between the Serie A champions and City.

Reports in Italy suggest the Rossoneri have offered to take Tevez on a free loan for six months with an option to sign the player permanently next summer for €23m.

“Between yesterday and today I have taken steps to reinforce a team that is already a formidable one,” Galliani told the Milan Channel.

“We have the agreement with Tevez and we recently sent an email to City with our offer.

“Our offer is a free loan deal with an option to sign the player permanently on certain conditions.

“We hope City says yes. There were other European clubs interested, but we are in pole position.

“Tevez wants to come to us. Half of the agreement has been reached. Now we await City’s response.”

Representatives for the former Manchester United forward have held positive talks with the Italian giants. And, although it is understood no contact has yet been made between the clubs, City manager Roberto Mancini said today it was “important” Tevez was sold.

The 27-year-old Tevez looks set to leave the Blues in the new year after his latest fallout with the club.

Tevez has been absent from City for the past month having returned to Argentina without permission after deciding not to appeal against a club fine for misconduct.

City found Tevez guilty of five breaches of contract over his conduct on the bench during the Champions League loss at Bayern Munich in September and his future at the club has been uncertain since.

Milan are looking to bolster their attack with Italy striker Antonio Cassano ruled out indefinitely after undergoing a heart procedure.

“Tevez is not playing, and he is a great player and, should he do well with us, we could make the deal permanent,” Galliani said.

“He is a player of absolute value.

“Our idea is to take him with us to Dubai (Milan’s winter training camp) as we did a few years ago with David Beckham and Antonio Cassano.

“I spoke to Cassano and he was happy regarding Tevez’s deal.

“He is well and he is a big supporter of Carlitos’ arrival.

“Tevez had a lot of incentives at City for the Premier League and for the Champions League but I convinced Tevez to renounce a mountain of money.

“(AC Milan owner Silvio) Berlusconi has given me the okay for the deal, showing yet again how he loves the Rossoneri colours.”