AC Milan: Rossoneri's Latest January Transfer Idea, Merkel, Tevez & El Shaarawy

AC Milan are now reacting to the news that Alexandre Pato has decided to stay after all, shunning a potential move to Ligue 1 leaders PSG.

The Rossoneri still remain keen on Carlos Tevez, though, and have proposed a new deal to Manchester City.

The new deal would involve the makeweight of Alexander Merkel—the Genoa player who Milan have co-ownership of.

The 19-year-old is a terrific prospect and has shone in patches this season for the Rossoblu who have been embroiled in a state of turmoil in recent months after the sacking of Alberto Malesani before hiring Pasquale Marino.

In particular, the German teenager shone against the joint league leaders Juventus with a wonderful assist for Marco Rossi and several close efforts himself, one of which struck the bar.

Milan rate him highly and would presumably propose that the player would knock around £10 million off the Tevez transfer fee.

If City refuse, then Milan will float the idea of a separate deal to his current club.

Another player that is part owned by both clubs is Stephan El Shaarawy, who Milan paid £10 million last summer to co-own.

The Rossoneri appear keen to directly swap the players with the German U20 international apparently more likely to get game time with only Kevin Prince Boateng in direct competition for the trequartista role.

El Shaarawy, on the other hand, is struggling to progress with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Antonio Cassano (when fit) and even Pippo Inzaghi ahead of him in the pecking order.

Understandably, Milan are eager to salvage the Tevez deal as Derby della Madonnina rivals Inter could be ready to pounce should the deal be irretrievable.

Logically though, Milan's only area in attacking positions that might be strengthened is the trequartista role, currently occupied by Boateng.

As great as the Ghanaian international has been, he lacks the craft and genius to hold down this role for the long-term, and Merkel appears to have the raw talent and ability to fulfill this role.

In summary, Milan should opt to trade El Shaarawy—further benefiting as Genoa help to develop the Italian—for Merkel, who can be a genuine asset to the Rossoneri immediately.

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