Atletico Mineiro make formal approach for Forlan

Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro are refusing to give up on their bid to sign Inter forward Diego Forlan, and have made a lucrative offer to tempt the veteran to return to South American football in 2012.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan has struggled for form since moving to Milan from Atletico Madrid in August 2011, with injuries affecting his continuity with the Nerazzurri. He appeared 20 times for Inter last season, netting just twice.

Mineiro have been closely following stories that Forlan is unhappy at San Siro, and president Alexandre Kalli revealed that he has submitted a formal offer to the player's representatives.

"I have made an incredible offer because I want the player, and I want the best for Atletico," the chief explained to Estado de Minas.

"I just cannot be irresponsible. I want the best for my club and my fans, but I cannot spend more than what the budget permits. I would love to be irresponsible, like most people, but I am not like that. If an Atletico fan asked me, I would say that the deal is difficult but Forlan's agents are going to take the numbers to him and things can change."

According to Superesporte, the club have offered the player €6 million over a three-year contract, a figure that would put him among the highest-paid players in Brazil. As well as this figure, it is believed that the Galo would have to pay around €4m to Inter in order to finalise a purchase.

Forlan would be following in the footsteps of his father if he opted for a Brazilian switch. Father Pablo Forlan played for Sao Paulo between 1970 and 1976, and also represented Atletico's city rivals Cruzeiro for a year.