AC Milan are reluctant to hand Mario Mandzukic a deal longer than six months.

The veteran striker is a free agent and in talks with Milan about a contract. The Rossonero see Mandzukic as cover for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Tuttosport says Milan are prepared to offer a six month deal for Mandzukic to prove his fitness and form before discussing a longer contract into next season.

Milan's owners Elliott Management have cleared a proposal of €1.5m for the six months to be tabled to the veteran.

Mandzukic has managed just a handful games in the last 12 months while playing in Qatar with Al Duhail.