AC Milan hope to snap up Keisuke Honda

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that he wants to bring Keisuke Honda to the San Siro when his CSKA Moscow contract expires in January.

The Japan international midfielder is free to talk to other clubs now that he has entered the final six months of his deal with the Russian outfit.

Should he join mid-season, Honda would likely be cup-tied for the Champions League, but Galliani has revealed that would not deter Milan from making a move for the 26-year-old this winter.

"I strongly wish that Honda could arrive at Milan during the January window," Galliani told a press conference.

"If he isn't able to play in the Champions League, he will be like [Mario] Balotelli, who arrived in January and didn't play in the Champions League."

Everton are also understood to be interested in Honda and will reportedly attempt to pip Milan to his signature by making a cash offer in this transfer window.