AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has described Fernando Torres as "an big-name striker" as speculation grows that the Chelsea forward is the signing he has promised the club's fans.
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Speaking as he signed autographs in Milan on Tuesday, Galliani admitted he did not want to reveal too much "because there are journalists listening", but he did promise "a big signing" will be made before the transfer window closes.
Fans demanded to know whether the new signing would be El Nino and Galliani branded him a "fantastic centre-forward", without wanting to elaborate.
His demeanour throughout the interrogation revealed there may be some substance behind his praise of the Chelsea forward, however. "We're currently in the midst of plenty of negotiations," he added as the Sky Sport Italia cameras rolled.
Gallaini added to the club's official television channel: "We're entering the final hours of the market so let's see if we are able to sign a big-name striker, this is our main objective. Torres is certainly a big-name centre-forward, let's see if we can get him or somebody else. We're hard at work."
The Rossoneri are in the hunt for a new forward after selling Mario Balotelli to Liverpool. The funds earned from that sale also give them enough financial backing to formalise a bid for the 30-year-old, who does not appear to have much of a future with the London club.
Milan may not only be asking about Torres when they speak with Chelsea, however.
Marco van Ginkel is also understood to be tempting them with a season-long loan deal on the table.
With a permanent move for QPR's Adel Taarabt looking unlikely, the Dutch midfielder is seen as a valid, low-cost alternative. Milan would prefer a loan to a permanent transfer, a formula which would also suit Chelsea.
"We've written to Chelsea [about Van Ginkel] and we're waiting for a response," he said. "We're quite confident. He's a very talented player and hopefully he'll come."
Should a bid for Torres break down, Liverpool's Fabio Borini may instead become a target with Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi understood to be a fan of the former Roma and Sunderland forward.