AC Milan’s failed pursuits of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Fabio Quagliarella has seen them tee up a return for Alexandre Pato from China’s Tianjin Quanjian, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pato, 29, spent an injury ravaged spell at the San Siro from 2007-13. The striker did, however, manage to score 63 times in 150 matches before his exit to Corinthians and is remembered fondly.

The Rossoneri, however, have baulked at paying a €25m release clause this winter and matching his wage demands. This could mean an initial loan is agreed.

Since Pato left Milan, the Brazil attacker has also featured for Sao Paulo, Chelsea and Villarreal. In the Chinese Super League, he’s plundered 30 goals in 47 appearances.