AC Milan Transfer Talk: 5 Players Milan Fans Would Like to See in Red and Black

The winter transfer season is underway, and football clubs are looking to either strengthen their squads or strengthen their wallets.

AC Milan need to strengthen their club.

The main holes are at left back and in the midfield, but as is always the case, there are certain players, no matter the position, that all fans want to see wear their club's colors.

Many players have been linked to Milan over the past couple transfer windows, and several have become favorites among the club's fans.

These are five of the biggest and most popular names among Milan fans who are linked to the club.

Riccardo Montolivo, Midfielder, Fiorentina

Linked with Milan since last summer, the Montolivo transfer saga dragged on for weeks, leading to a falling out between the Italian and his Florentine club.

The 26-year-old was eager to leave and join AC Milan as the so-called "Mr. X" that Milan were searching for last summer. He wore his desire right out there for everyone to see, and the club punished him, stripping him of his captaincy.

Some blame the fallout, but Montolivo's game has gone down a notch in the first part of this season. Granted, Fiorentina haven't been particularly fascinating to watch. Despite this, there are rumors that Montolivo will certainly join the club in the summer of 2012.

Fiorentina have reportedly been contacted by clubs like Juventus and Liverpool as well, but seem convinced that Montolivo will be with the Viola next season. However, his contract expires in June, and he is likely on his way out no matter what.

Paulo Henrique Ganso, Midfielder, Santos

Linked with Milan, Inter, Manchester United, Barcelona, Anzhi Makhachkala, Paris-Saint Germain, Tottenham and others, Ganso is one of the hottest items on the market, and Santos seem ready to cash in on their star midfielder.

Ganso has expressed interest in playing for Milan before, after Milan defender Thiago Silva made it his goal to bring his Brazilian compatriot to the San Siro.

The attacking midfielder could provide an excellent spark, especially providing a great connection with Brazilians Pato and Robinho.

It will also give Milan the chance to experiment without a holding midfielder. Kevin-Prince Boateng could move back to join Alberto Aquilani and Antonio Nocerino in the midfield, providing a youthful, devastating midfield.

Casemiro, Midfielder, Sao Paolo

The last time Milan bought a midfielder from Sao Paolo, it worked really well.

With this 19-year-old Brazilian, the winner of the race for his signature will be one lucky club.

Italy seems the destination of choice for the teenager, as Milan, Inter, Roma and Juventus are all interested. Arsenal are also believed to be interested.

The talented midfielder has the ability to play both as a central and right midfielder as well as a holding mid. As a talented tackler and attacker, it only makes sense that he idolizes retired Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and Lazio star Hernanes.

He won't be cheap, being valued by O Mais Querido at €20 million, but he is going to be worth the investment as he continues to develop and goes from being a star in Brazil to a star in Europe.

What fan wouldn't want this lad on his or her team?

Carlos Tevez, Forward, Manchester City

Antonio Cassano is out for the season, which means AC Milan need to assess their options up front.

There are a couple of options: They can experiment with 19-year-old wonder kid Stephan El Shaarawy, or they can purchase either Catania's Maxi Lopez or Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez.

Tevez hasn't suited up or been allowed anywhere near Manchester City since September, since he was accused of refusing to come off the bench as a sub against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Since his name emerged as a target for Milan, he has become highly touted by the fans and would surely be welcomed into the Milan outfit.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato are the top two at Milan right now, but along with Robinho are the only three regular forwards at the San Siro.

With three competitions to worry about, Pato's proneness to injuries and Ibrahimovic's knack for getting suspended means that Massimiliano Allegri needs to either start playing Stephan El Shaarawy or make the popular move for Tevez.

Kaka, Midfielder, Real Madrid

Of course, the majority of Milan fans want to see Kaka return to the San Siro.

Kaka's six years at Milan were among the best of any Milan player ever. The Brazilian is a legend at the club, and his 10 goals in Champions League in 2006-07 led Milan to their seventh European Cup.

He was at his best in a Milan uniform. Since leaving for Real Madrid in 2009, a move he said was to help Milan out of its tight financial trouble, he has been constantly injured and has never truly found his Milan form.

Could a move to Milan save the career of the 29-year-old?

Many Milan fans would like to think so, but it all depends on if the club and player think the same way.