AC Milan have encouraged Chelsea to reopen talks over a deal for Andrea Pirlo. The Telegraph says Chelsea are undoubtedly interested in the 30-year-old midfielder and had hoped to add him - and Kaka - to the list of arrivals drawn up by the new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea lost out on Kaka, who had already agreed a deal to join Real Madrid, and balked at the £20 million asking price for Pirlo.

Milan still hope to do a deal to sell the Italian international at that price - or even more - but the fact that they have now contacted Chelsea to try and revive the transfer will give fresh hope at Stamford Bridge that a move can take place.