Last Updated: Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:51
AC Milan are set to make a move for Southampton winger Gaston Ramirez - but the timing depends on him obtaining an EU passport.
The Serie A giants have expressed an interest in the ex-Bologna star who cost Saints a club record fee in the summer but is yet to reproduce the form that attracted Liverpool and Inter Milan.
Ramirez has returned three goals in 13 appearances so far, despite injury problems and claims that he is yet to properly settle on the south coast.
Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi this week admitted that the club were monitoring three youngsters, one who plays in Italy and two who are abroad.
Ramirez is thought to be one of those, while Newcastle's Davide Santon and Roma striker Mattia Destro are understood to be the others.
But Milan cannot sign another non-EU player before the summer as they have already filled their quota, so any January bid hangs on the player somehow coming up with a new passport.
Ramirez needed a work permit to play in the Premier League because he didn't qualify for a European passport last August, which could mean Milan may have to shelve their interest until next summer.
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