Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano has expressed his desire to join table-toppers AC Milan in January.
Cassano, 28, is currently suspended by Sampdoria following an argument with the club’s president. As a result, the former Roma forward has not represented the Genoa-based side since October and looks set to leave in the transfer window.
“Who wouldn’t want to play at a club which, together with Real Madrid, is the biggest in history?” Cassano said of AC Milan. “My experience in Madrid was a disaster, but I’d be happy to wear the Milan shirt. There are still details to define and let’s see what happens in the coming days.”
AC Milan are be keen to find a suitable replacement for ageing striker Filippo Inzaghi and club president Adriano Galliani claims preliminary talks with Sampdoria have already taken place over Cassano’s possible transfer.
“Cassano replaces Filippo Inzaghi, even though they have different characteristics,” said Galliani. “In any case, the deal is not done like many have been saying. We have to see what Sampdoria are asking and the agreement with the player.”
However, a potential obstacle to any deal is a sell-on fee owed to Cassano’s former employers Real Madrid. The Spanish club will be due a €5m payment if the Italy international is sold before 2013.
When asked about the fee owed to Real, Galliani said: “We have to understand who will pay Real Madrid the millions they are asking because it will certainly not be Milan.”
Cassano has flourished during his four seasons at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, boasting a return of 41 goals in 110 appearances for Sampdoria.