Atletico Madrid have opened talks with AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Marca says Atletico have made contact with Pirlo's agent, Tullio Tinti, to sound him out about a possible move to Madrid for the midfielder.

Atletico are willing to match Pirlo's £4.2 million salary at Milan and hope to convince him about bossing their midfield for next season and beyond.

Chelsea have also sounded out Pirlo, though their interest has receded over Blues owner Roman Abramovich's concerns about signing a player over 30 for big money.