Crespo completes Milan move

Crespo was widely expected to tie up the final details of the move on Thursday - and has indeed agreed to return to Serie A for the next campaign.

The loan move paves the way for Didier Drogba's £24 million switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Marseille man was wanted by Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho if Crespo did not feel he could be completely committed to The Blues, and the Argentine's exit has now created the space.

Crespo is no stranger to the Italian league having become one of the most feared strikers in the country during spells at Lazio and Internazionale.

The prolific forward will be keen to quickly recapture the form that lifted him amongst the world's elite after never fully replicating his goalscoring feats in English football.

Milan supremo Adriano Galliani had expressed reservations over bringing a top-class forward into the club - admitting he feared that it would destabilise the dressing room.

However, coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he can incorporate the South American into his stellar squad - and the deal has now been completed.

Meanwhile, Chelsea look set to complete the signing of Benfica star Tiago Mendes, with the Portuguese giants believed to be close to a compromise on their asking price.

The midfielder was quickly targeted by new coach Jose Mourinho, and is keen to join up with the West London club.