'I knew about the possibility' - Gattuso confirms interest in Ronaldo in summer

In recent weeks the Rossoneri have also been linked with high-profile names, such as Ibrahimovic and Fábregas.

Cristiano Ronaldo could quite easily have been wearing red and black stripes this season. On Thursday this week, AC Milan's former sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli revealed the negotiations with Mendes to Sportitalia: "It was all set up but we realised it wasn't financially sustainable," he said.

Signing Ronaldo

There was almost an extraordinary signing last year, as former director of sport Massimiliano Mirabelli claimed he was in advanced negotiations to take Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, long before he went to Juventus for €100m.

On Saturday incumbent Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso also commented on the rumour during a press conference: "I also knew about the possibility of signing Cristiano, it's all true. After that many things happened, but I can confirm what he [Mirabelli] said," Gattuso confirmed.

"If Mirabelli said that, then it's true. There are also many other elements in there, which I also confirm. You wanted a few more details, eh?" smiled Gattuso.