AC Milan green light for Carlos Tevez talks

MANCHESTER CITY have given AC Milan permission to speak with wantaway striker Carlos Tevez.

The Italian champions are interested in signing Tevez but have not opened talks with City over the nature of the deal.

Milan chief Adriano Galliani said: "Tevez is a City player. The English club has authorised us to speak to his agent but we haven't spoken directly to City yet.

"We don't know what City want. I prefer not to speak too much about Tevez, otherwise his price will go up and this is not good."

Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian reportedly held talks with AC Milan last week in Italy.

The former West Ham and Manchester United forward looks set to leave the Blues in the new year after his latest fallout with the club.

Tevez returned to his homeland last month without City's permission and is yet to report back to training.

Milan are looking to reinforce their attacking options with Italy frontman Antonio Cassano ruled out indefinitely after undergoing a heart procedure.

When asked about Milan's winter transfer window activity, Galliani said: "If anyone arrives, it will be a striker as our aim is to cover the place of the injured Cassano."

Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has described the prospect of Tevez moving to the San Siro as "perfect".