AC Milan have confirmed their interest in Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Milan want Van Nistelrooy for a cut-price £8.4million to replace Chelsea-bound hitman Andriy Shevchenko.
The Serie A giants are believed to have been alerted to Van Nistelrooy's availability when Chelsea agreed not to chase the Old Trafford star after they pinched United target John Obi Mikel last week.
United boss Alex Ferguson is determined to sell his £19m signing abroad rather than to his biggest title rivals.
Milan will use some of the £35m for Shevchenko to ensure Van Nistelrooy is in place to lead their attack next season.
A club spokesman said: "Van Nistelrooy is the man we want. He is one of the few players in the world who could replace Sheva."
