Real Madrid are preparing a bid for AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

While they have put out feelers for the likes of Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez and Genoa's Diego Milito, it's emerged that Real see Pato as Ruud van Nistelrooy's ideal successor.

The young Brazilian has struggled for minutes this season after bursting onto the scene last term.

Madrid sources say Real have put aside £40 million to lure Pato to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.