Carlo Ancelotti has
confirmed that Milan will do everything in their power to bring
Andrei Shevchenko back to Italy, even if the coach admits a
transfer looks unlikely at present.
The Ukrainian striker remains a revered figure at Stadio Giuseppe
Meazza and, following a difficult campaign at Chelsea, has been
linked with a return to the club where he won the UEFA Champions
League and the European Footballer of the Year award.
Chelsea, in contrast, have not seen the best of the striker as he
has scored just four league goals in a season where he has been
roundly criticised for his contribution to the club's cause.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani recently gave credence to
speculation by revealing the Rossoneri were keeping a place in
their squad open should Shevchenko seek a return over the
summer.
Whilst Ancelotti admits he is desperate to see Shevchenko don the
Milan shirt once more, the coach was warned that financial
considerations could make any move unlikely.
"Adriano Galliani made our position very clear," Ancelotti told a
press conference.
"It remains a difficult operation financially, even if Milan will
do everything possible to bring him back.
"He is owned by Chelsea and their intentions are the main factor
here."
Ancelotti will be spreading his net far and wide over the summer,
with the Rossoneri coach also admitting he is a fan of Barcelona
superstars Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o, as well as Marseille's
French international Franck Ribery.
"Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Shevchenko are three world-class
players who would improve any squad," added Ancelotti.
"Franck Ribery is also a player I like very much. He is a dynamic
figure and had a great World Cup."
Meanwhile, Milan have moved to play down speculation that Kakha
Kaladze could be sold in order to prise Chelsea-owned Brazilian
defender Alex from PSV Eindhoven.
"Kaladze, as our other big players, is not for sale," Galliani told
the Italian press.
"All of our big players are confirmed and their sale will never be
negotiated."
