AC Milan are convinced Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will make an offer for Alexandre Pato later this season.
Sportmediaset, which has close ties to Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi, says Abramovich sees Pato as a long-term replacement for Nicolas Anelka, who has spoken about moving to the MLS next season.
Pato has struggled for form and fitness this term and has failed to strike a rapport with Milan's No1 man Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Antonio Cassano has now gone past the Brazilian in the pecking order and Chelsea see their chance to pounce.
It's suggested while the British press talk up the prospect of landing Napoli ace Edinson Cavani, the real target for Abramovich is Pato.
And given his struggles this term, Chelsea are confident they can land the striker for a knockdown fee.
