Carlos Tevez vs. Maxi Lopez: Evaluating Milan's Two Targets

AC Milan have narrowed their search for a replacement for Antonio Cassano to two players: Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez and Catania star Maxi Lopez.

Any move that Milan make would be a loan deal and, while moves can't be made until January, deals are currently being negotiated and the Rossoneri will know which of the two players will be joining the San Siro outfit following the Christmas break.

With Maxi Lopez, a deal is already in place with Catania to bring him in for the remainder of the season. That deal is on hold for 10 days as Milan are actively trying to finalize a deal for Tevez.

Each player has their pros and cons, so which one is the right choice for AC Milan? As a serious contender for two trophies in Italy as well as the Champions League, this is not a decision to be made lightly.

One forward is not going to completely boost Milan, as they still need a midfielder and full-back, but a forward has become a necessity due to Cassano's stroke and heart surgery and will help Milan in the right direction.

Maxi Lopez

Age: 27

Club: Catania

Pros:

• Lopez may be one of the most underrated players in the world. After a failed stint at Barcelona, he seemed to fall off and his career never took flight. He is a very talented striker who could flourish if he had a team around him to put the ball in his path.
  
  
• He wants to play for AC Milan. He has recently said that he "wants to help Zlatan Ibrahimovic win the Champions League."
  
  
• He plays for Catania, therefore, is not cup-tied through the Champions League.
  
  
• He knows Serie A well, being in his third season with Catania.
  
  
• Catania are excited for Lopez that a club like Milan are interested and will not interfere with his desire to join them.

Cons:

• Despite a failed attempt to play at Barcelona, he is not proven at a big European club and is not used to playing with world-class players.
  
  
• He has minimal experience in the Champions League, having made only a few appearances.

Maxi Lopez is all set to leave Catania and join Milan, but is considered the second option. His loan deal is in place, but a definitive decision is not expected from the Rossoneri until after negotiations with Carlos Tevez and Manchester City.

Lopez, Catania, and Milan are all willing to make a deal happen and all believe that Lopez could thrive at Milan. While he would see reduced playing time due to the three players currently controlling the attack—Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho—he is enthusiastic about being able to provide a spark for a Champions League run.

Lopez has the advantage over Tevez of being available for the Champions League. When it comes to matches in Serie A leading into a knockout stage match, he can relieve the legs of one of the main forwards in the league, but then also find his way onto the bench and provide a late burst off the bench in Europe.

Quite advantageous for Milan.

Carlos Tevez

Age: 27

Club: Manchester City

Pros:

• Plenty of experience with big clubs, having spent the past several years with Manchester United and Manchester City.
  
  
• He's a champion, having won everywhere he's been except West Ham United.
  
  
• A consistent scorer in top competition.
  
  
• Experienced playing with world-class players.

Cons:

• Hasn't played a match since before the Bayern Munich scandal of September 27th and has been placed on gardening leave by the club.
  
  
• He is known for having a bad attitude and a big ego, which has led to much criticism throughout the world.
  
  
• Cup-tied after making one appearance for City in the Champions League this season.
  
  

Carlos Tevez is known for having a big ego and his attitude put him into the predicament he is enjoying now. After refusing to come on as a substitute in the Champions League against Bayern Munich, he was suspended for two weeks by City and then told to stay away from the club's training facilities permanently.

This all for a player who was only a few months ago lifting the FA Cup as captain.

Many are questioning whether Tevez's presence in the Milan locker room will affect the club for the worse. Some people still wonder how Massimiliano Allegri is able to handle the likes of Alexandre Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Gennaro Gattuso, and Kevin-Prince Boateng—to name a few—all at once.

An ego like Tevez's could cause quite a stir.

Another issue with Tevez is the fact that he is cup-tied. With Milan aiming to be a serious contender for the Champions League heading into the Last 16, they need to have plenty of depth to work with.

Last season, the addition of Mark Van Bommel and Antonio Cassano was vital to the club's run to the Scudetto, but while the two were key contributors to that trophy, they were unavailable to play for Milan against Tottenham due to having played in the Champions League earlier in the season. Milan were pushed out by Spurs 1-0.

Tevez is a great player with an eye for goal that could help Milan, but his ego and unavailability for the Champions League is concerning.

Who Should Milan Bring to the San Siro?

Because of his positive attitude, eye for goal and availability in the Champions League, Maxi Lopez is arguably the best of the two options for Milan.

Both Lopez and Tevez could be successful in their own ways with the club and one of the two will be in red and black this January, so who should it be? Should they give Maxi Lopez another shot at glory with a big club? Or should they give his compatriot the chance to redeem himself and save his career?

Follow Tim Fontenault on Twitter @TimFontenault