AC Milan vs Cagliari: Carlos Tevez Swoop Looms Large over Serie A Match

AC Milan and Cagliari take the pitch at Stadio San Elia today in an important Serie A match, but it is transfer news that hangs over the head of the Rossoneri that proves even more important.

Manchester City, the current leaders of the English Premier League, are dominating opponents without their former captain, Carlos Tevez.

The 27-year-old Argentine striker has yet to play this season and refuses to go back to England. City boss Roberto Mancini doesn't want him anyway, but refuses to let him go on loan or for less than what the Citizens are asking.

There have been a number of clubs linked to last year's co-Golden Boot Award winner and the Rossoneri are the latest.

According to ESPNSoccernet:

"

The Rossoneri want to take Tevez on a temporary basis, to replace injured forward Antonio Cassano, and will only consider purchasing the Argentina international at the end of the season.

However, it seems unless they are willing to agree to a permanent switch in the January transfer window, Tevez will not be heading to the San Siro.

"

This just another failed opportunity for City and the interested club, in this case AC Milan, to get what they want.

The ESPN report also indicates that "signing Maxi Lopez, currently at Catania, was a 'standby' option if Milan are unable to agree terms with City for Tevez." 

Look for that standby option to come into play now.