AC Milan step up interest in Andy Carroll

Reports in Italy have claimed that AC Milan's interest in Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is increasing.

The 23-year-old is believed to have caught the attention of Milan officials while on international duty with England at Euro 2012 this summer.

It has since been said that the Rossoneri are keen to secure Carroll's service and use him as a direct replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is thought to be close to exiting the San Siro.

Milan will initially ask to take the former Newcastle United striker on loan, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Should that work, Milan would then make an offer to make the move a permanent one.