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Milan's waiting game for Eto'o
Milan could still be able to snatch Samuel Eto’o, but any alternative hitman will be Brazilian – Fred or Pato Alexandre.
The Rossoneri have publicly stated on many occasions that Barcelona’s African marksman is their number one transfer target and, despite Barca’s protests to the contrary, in Italy the newspapers continue to maintain he is available.
According to the media, Frank Rijkaard has been told to pick a striker who can sit on the bench and won’t be too expensive, so they will not be keeping Eto’o, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry.
Milan have caught wind of the plan and are patiently lining up a £22m offer for the Cameroon international.
If this should fail, then there are other alternatives already on the horizon for Carlo Ancelotti and as usual they are looking towards Brazil.
Pato Alexandre has been nicknamed ‘the new Kaka’ and agent Gilmar Veloz has come out into the open about these links.
“It’s not just rumours, Milan have an official interest in the player. Internacional allowed Leonardo to view the player, as did Chelsea.â€
Unfortunately, as he is still a teenager and under contract until 2009, Brazilian law states he will not be allowed to leave for Europe until January.
This, and the added bonus of European and Champions League experience, is why Milan are interested in Lyon man Fred.
He will be playing for Brazil in the Copa America in Venezuela and Rossoneri scouts have been sent to report back on his form.