AC Milan captain set to spark January bidding war.
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Manchester United and Real Madrid look set to go head-to-head for the signing of AC Milan star Riccardo Montolivo this January, according to talkSPORT.
The talented midfield playmaker looks an ideal candidate to improve both side’s fortunes this season, with United lacking a true creative outlet in the middle of the park and Real facing the possible departure of key pair Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira.
Montolivo only joined Milan last summer after making the move from Fiorentina, and was made club captain this season, so it seems likely that the Serie A giants will hold firm on such an influential and important player.
However, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is ready to spend big on improving his midfield this January and is confident he can make an offer to good for his old club to refuse.
The Italian coach, also formerly of Chelsea, has also been linked with a move for Brazilian midfielder Ramires as he plots another potential raid on one of his former teams, though Montolivo now seems to be his prime target.
United are still looking for a playmaker of this type after the retirement of Paul Scholes, and have been linked with a whole host of other big names.