AC Milan 'targeting Manchester City star Raheem Sterling' as wish list emerges amid £827m takeover

Raheem Sterling is on AC Milan's wish list should the potential takeover from Investcorp be completed, according to Italian reports.

The 27-year-old has been a regular starter at the Etihad Stadium this season, scoring 14 goals and picking up a further seven assists in 40 appearances.

The England international, however, appeared out of favour at the start of the campaign and his contract is due to expire in the summer of 2023.

Bahrain-domiciled asset manager Investcorp has entered into exclusive talks to purchase Serie A club AC Milan, in what would be the first takeover of a top Italian team by Middle East investors.

One source close to the talks told Reuters the deal to buy the seven-times European champions from current owner Elliott Management Corporation was near to completion.

A potential valuation for the club would be in the region of 1 billion euros (£827 million) including debt, the sources said.

The new investment will allow Milan to target more players from Europe’s top clubs - and according to Gazzetta dello Sport Sterling is reportedly tempted to resurrect his career in Serie A along with the lure of Champions League football.

Milan are also interested in signing Real Madrid duo Marco Asensio and Isco as well as Ajax striker Sebastien Haller, and Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig.

They are also already said to be in advanced talks with Liverpool striker Divock Origi and Lille defender Sven Botman.

Investcorp manages over $42 billion in assets with business lines including private equity, real estate, absolute return investments, infrastructure, credit management, and strategic capital.

Investcorp and Elliott, which took over Milan in 2018, would not comment when contacted by Reuters.

An AC Milan spokesperson said only that 'AC Milan remains focused on improving its performance on the pitch and to develop the club.'

A second source briefed with the matter confirmed talks between Elliott and Investcorp over a potential sale.

Milan have won Italy's top flight league title 18 times but not since 2011. The club has struggled to recreate the glory years enjoyed under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi and his Fininvest group.