The 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Italian club after a recurring knee problem and is reportedly considering a move to the Paulista giants, who won the Copa Libertaodres and the World Club Cup in 2012.

Pato burst onto the world football scene in 2007 with Brazilian club Internacional. After initial success in Italy his injury problems have made him an increasingly peripheral figure in the Milan squad and the time may be right to seek pastures new.

Milan's initial asking price is around 15 million euros (about 19.8 million U.S. dollars).

The Italians are looking to free up space in their squad in an attempt to sign Ivorian powerhouse Didier Drogba in the January transfer window.?