Last Updated: Mon, 15 May 2006 14:22
AC Milan will make a swoop for Ruud van Nistelrooy in the summer if they lose star striker Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea.
Rumours are growing suggesting van Nistelrooy will be on the move this summer and, if Shevchenko does leave the San Siro for Chelsea, then Milan want the Dutchman to replace him.
Van Nistelrooy's future has been thrown into further doubt after the player's close friend Wim van Hanegem was quoted over the weekend saying the striker had lost all respect for boss Sir Alex Ferguson and felt 'betrayed' by some of his actions.
There will be no shortage of offers for the player if United do decide to let him go and, although Real Madrid and French outfit Lyon are also known to be keen, Milan are favourites to take him to Italy.
"If Shevchenko confirms the desire to leave, another great player will have to be found for that to happen," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed when quizzed over the link to van Nistelrooy.
Milan would have the finances to land the player and any cash would then be used by Ferguson to strengthen his own strike force and find a replacement for the Dutchman.