AC Milan ponder shock De Rossi swoop

EXCLUSIVE
By Elia Raimondo

Daniele De Rossi could be on his way out of Roma in the January transfer window as AC Milan are considering making a move for the Italy international, Goal.com can reveal.

Silvio Berlusconi recently indicated that Milan's new policy on transfers is to focus on promising youngsters, while aiming to make one marquee signing per season too, and they are keen to make De Rossi their big-name arrival this winter.

The 29-year-old signed a new five-year deal with Roma in February 2012, but the Giallorossi have since admitted that they could cash in on the midfielder if a good offer comes in.

Milan have already been in contact with De Rossi to discuss a potential transfer, but the San Siro side realise that it will not be easy to get their man.

The Rossoneri are pondering a 15 million offer, while also including defenders Francesco Acerbi a nd Ignazio Abate in the deal. Even if Milan agree terms with Roma, a transfer is by no means a certainty just yet, though, as De Rossi's heavy wage demands could prove to be an obstacle for the 2011 Serie A champions.

Meanwhile, Milan also remain interested in signing Mario Balotelli as the striker's situation at Manchester City is getting more complicated after he took his club to a Premier League tribunal following their decision to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor disciplinary record in the 2011-12 season.

Furthermore, the Rossoneri are also keeping tabs on Kevin Strootman, Angelo Ogbonna and Marco Verratti as long-term reinforcements.