AC Milan Transfer Update: Tevez, El Shaarawy, and More

As January rapidly approaches, eyes once again turn to the transfer window.

AC Milan have already started to turn some heads in the transfer rumors department as they move for a replacement for Antonio Cassano, who will miss the rest of the season after heart surgery.

Many believe that AC Milan's needs now lie in finding a forward, central/holding midfielder, and a left-back. There are options out there, so what will Milan do?

There are a few rumors out there right now about players coming and going. Here's a quick look.

Carlos Tevez Agrees Terms, Now Its on City

The Carlos Tevez saga at Manchester City appears to have finally ended. According to multiple reports and confirmed by club officials, AC Milan have reached an agreement with the Argentine forward.

However, the agreement was reached only between player and club. AC Milan still need to agree to terms with Manchester City.

The proposal sent to Eastlands is said to be a loan move with Milan paying somewhere in the range of €20 million to make the deal permanent.

Tevez has not appeared in the 18-man team for City since September 27th, when he allegedly refused to come on as a sub against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

He was placed on gardening leave, meaning he is not allowed near any of Manchester City's facilities, despite continuing to be paid.

He is under contract until 2014 and the odds of City refusing to sell him are very low.

However, should he for some reason be barred from leaving, by FIFA rules he will be allowed to terminate his contract at the end of the season.

Assuming that Manchester City are eliminated from the FA Cup, Carling Cup, and the UEFA Europa League in their next rounds, Manchester City will play 53 total matches this season.

Tevez played in five before being put on leave. That would mean he played in 9% of City's matches. FIFA rules allow a player to terminate his contract if he doesn't appear in 10% of matches.

Maxi Lopez Deal on Hold Due to Tevez Talks

If Carlos Tevez doesn't join Milan, Maxi Lopez will join the Rossoneri.

According to Lopez's club, Catania Calcio, a loan deal is in place between Milan and Catania that would send the Argentine to the San Siro.

The deal will only take place if Tevez does not join from Manchester City. However, with Tevez and Milan already agreeing to terms, it seems as if Lopez's dreams of playing for the red and black are now dead.

Stephan El Shaarawy Could Be Loaned, Even Swapped for Alexander Merkel

Assuming that Carlos Tevez does join the Rossoneri, it will mean that Stephan El Shaarawy could be loaned out or even sent back to Genoa.

The attacking midfielder has found it difficult to find his way into the first team at Milan this season with the way Kevin-Prince Boateng is playing at attacking midfielder and because of the strength of the forwards.

The arrival of yet another player could mean that it is a while before we see him wear the red and black again.

Novara are said to be extremely interested in a loan for El Shaarawy and there have been offers from several other clubs.

While Milan fans will be disappointed, it could be a bittersweet situation. Apart from getting Tevez, Milan may also be able to swap the 19-year-old for another 19-year-old star in the making, Alexander Merkel.

Merkel is on loan from Milan at Genoa at the moment. The German can play anywhere in the midfield, including in an attacking role. He could be beneficial to the club even right now.

Taye Taiwo Wants to Prove Himself

Despite his lack of appearances this season, Taye Taiwo wants to prove himself at AC Milan.

The Nigerian left-back has drawn interest from Newcastle United, but Taiwo still believes that he can be productive at the San Siro.

“I think he has had some difficulties settling in, especially when it comes to understanding the movement the Coach is asking for," said Taiwo's agent Fabio Parisi. "However, Taiwo never gives in and therefore does not want to leave Milan."

Luca Antonini and Gianluca Zambrotta have been playing the majority of the matches and many Milan fans are looking to see the club get a left-back in the window, but Taiwo still has the opportunity to succeed at Milan.

Filippo Inzaghi Has Admirers

It's a reality that few Milanista want to talk about.

Filippo Inzaghi's time at AC Milan is coming to an end.

After many years and many memorable goals, Filippo Inzaghi no longer fits into the equation at Milan and clubs are interested.

Olympique Marseille, Stoke City, and Udinese are among the clubs interested. A move to Major League Soccer in the United States is also a possibility, especially to a club like Montreal Impact, who play their first season in 2012.

Inzaghi admits that there is the chance of staying, but it seems very unlikely right now.