Veloso on Milan agenda

Italians eye Portuguese star

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Sporting Miguel Veloso

Veloso: In demand

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Reports in Portugal suggest that Italian giants Milan are preparing a summer swoop for Miguel Veloso.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has attracted interest from a host of Europe's top clubs in recent seasons, without a formal approach being made.

However, it is now understood that negotiations concerning a potential move to Serie A are already underway.

With Gennaro Gattuso's future at Giuseppe Meazza still unclear, Milan are keen to bolster their midfield options and view the 22-year-old as the ideal replacement for their ageing Italian international.

The Rossoneri are also hoping to use Argentinean defender Leandro Grimi, loaned to Sporting in January, as a bargaining tool in any potential deal.

Veloso is currently preparing to represent Portugal at Euro 2008, and is reluctant to discuss his future, but it is thought that a bid of around 25million euros (£19.8m) could see him on the move during the close season.

If Sporting make it clear that they are prepared to let Veloso leave then Milan can expect competition for his signature from English quartet: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.