AC Milan Transfer Rumors: Possible Targets of the Rossoneri This Winter

As the January transfer window approaches, it has become clear that changes are still needed at AC Milan.

The club is going in the right direction. The reigning Italian champions have the capability to win the league again this season, but the goal at the beginning of the season was made clear: Win the Champions League.

With the improvements to the club over the last year, Milan are once again one of the top clubs in Europe. However, former Milan star Dejan Savićević, famous for his brilliant goal against Barcelona in the 4-0 victory over the Spanish giants in the 1994 Champions League Final, believes that Milan are "two signings" away from being as good as Barcelona.

Changes are coming, but who will Milan target? There is a large list of players that has been building for some time now. This is a look at some of the bigger names on that list.

Maxwell, Left Back (Barcelona)

Maxwell's playing time at Barcelona is not what you would call abundant. He has made only nine appearances across three competitions this season and is playing second fiddle to Eric Abidal on the left side of the Barcelona defense.

Add in that Barcelona have been courting Tottenham's Gareth Bale, and this could be an opportunity for Milan.

The Rossoneri have struggled with the left back position lately. Luca Antonini had a brilliant season in 2009-10 under Leonardo, but has lost his touch. Gianluca Zambrotta is running out of gas, and Taye Taiwo has yet to win over Massimiliano Allegri.

The club will likely be hoping that Didac Vila's lone spell at Espanyol, the club they purchased him from, will help prepare him to play at Milan. But for now, Milan need a left back.

The problem with Maxwell is he has made two appearances in the Champions League, making him cup-tied and unable to play for Milan in the Champions League this season. That said, he could still provide a great help in Serie A.

Christian Eriksen, Midfielder (Ajax)

Eriksen is the latest in a long line of sought-after Ajax youngsters.

The 19-year-old Dane is one of the hottest commodities on the market and will be fought for by many clubs. Milan are said to be interested in the Danish star and could end up making a bid in the winter.

It may be tough to acquire his talents, but he is one of many options for midfielders in the market.

Ganso, Midfielder (Santos)

Another player at the top of many big clubs' wish list is Paulo Henrique. Better known as Ganso, the Brazilian has made noise quickly in his young career, as he and Neymar are the dynamic duo which helped Santos earn a spot in this December's FIFA Club World Cup after winning Copa Libertadores.

Milan's Brazilian connections have been putting in the labor to convince Ganso of a move to the San Siro, according to many reports this summer. It is believed that Thiago Silva was in communication with his compatriot during the transfer window and that Ganso is keen on a move to the club.

No moves were made in the summer because Ganso had expressed his desire to stay at the club until after the Club World Cup, at which Santos are expected to meet European champions Barcelona in the final.

Manchester United are said to be the biggest rival to Milan for Ganso, and with Kevin-Prince Boateng's excellent season in the trequartista role, he may not be Milan's best option. However, Boateng is a versatile player that Allegri initially wanted to play in a central midfield role. In the 4-3-1-2 formation Milan play, he could move back if Ganso was acquired.

Carlos Tevez, Forward (Manchester City)

The time away from playing football has given Tevez the chance to become a golf superstar, but it seems that the strange, adventurous tale of the Argentine's Manchester City career is heading into the final chapter.

The fallout has made Tevez a target of several clubs, including Corinthians, Inter, Anzhi and Milan. According to multiple sources, AC Milan are the favorite, and a deal may come in the winter.

Milan are looking for an attacking player to fill the void left by Antonio Cassano, who is out for the season after heart surgery following a stroke, and to support the attack of Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho.

The Rossoneri don't see 19-year-old summer-signing Stephan El Shaarawy as ready to fill the void, but he is another great option should a deal not work out and has already filled in because of injuries this season.

However, the star of the future at Milan may have to wait, as Tevez could provide immediate impact. The club won't be afraid of his attitude either. Three of last year's signings, including Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Cassano, were known to have attitude problems but have fit in wonderfully at the San Siro. Could Tevez change his ways as well?

Riccardo Montolivo, Midfielder (Fiorentina)

Milan were hoping a move would transpire in the summer, but unfortunately Aug. 31 came and went, and Riccardo Montolivo was still a member of Fiorentina.

However, nothing has changed besides that. Montolivo has expressed his desire to leave the club and that he will not renew his contract, which expires on June 30, 2012. He was stripped of his captaincy in the summer and replaced by Alessandro Gamberini.

His form has slipped a little bit this season, but if he's at a club he wants to play for, that could probably change. The 26-year-old still has a few years of great football in him, and it seems that both he and Milan want them to be in red and black.

Paulinho, Midfielder (Corinthians)

Reports suggest that Milan are keen on landing Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, 23, during the winter, with the chance of buying him at the end of the season.

Paulinho still has 19 months on his contract with Corinthians, but it is likely that he could leave the club this winter, and the Brazilian club will probably cash in at the end of this season.

A talented youngster, Paulinho could help Milan build for the next few years as they try to finally replenish that aging midfield.

Didier Drogba, Forward (Chelsea)

This is a move that is probably the least likely of any on this list, but Milan have expressed interest in Didier Drogba, according to CEO Adriano Galliani who has claimed to have wanted Drogba for years.

The menacing striker from Chelsea could possibly leave Stamford Bridge this winter. Fernando Torres has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, and the club have young attacking talent in Romelu Lukaku and Daniel Sturridge. Drogba's departure would not be detrimental to the Blues.

If for some reason Milan don't get Tevez, Drogba may be another option.

Maxi Lopez, Forward (Catania)

Catania have accepted that Maxi Lopez would love to play at AC Milan, and they are completely supportive of a move should Milan come knocking, which is a great possibility.

The 27-year-old, formerly of Barcelona, could provide an extra talent in the Milan attack that could be greatly beneficial to Milan. He is younger than both Tevez and Drogba and is not known for off-field issues.

Lopez is a great player who could enjoy a couple great seasons at Milan, and he could be cheap—a great selling point for Milan, who are not sure how much money Silvio Berlusconi will be able to invest due to the continued issues in Italian courts regarding the resigned prime minister's finances.

Eduardo Vargas, Forward (Universidad De Chile)

The 22-year-old Chilean forward has been incredible in his time playing for Chilean giants Universidad.

In 41 games this year, Vargas has netted 23 goals and provides a young spark that Milan can build a future on. Imagine Milan eventually having Vargas and Pato up top with Boateng in an attacking role—or even Boateng in the central midfield with Ganso or El Shaarawy playing the trequartista. It would be incredible.

Milan are one of the many clubs interested, with Arsenal, CSKA Moscow and Inter among the others. Milan will need to act soon if they want to grab the Chilean, who is valued at €6 million.