AC MILAN are plotting a sensational swoop for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to reports in Italy. The Italian giants are desperate to bolster their attacking options as they languish mid-table in Serie A, 11 points off the pace. 4 Could Zlatan return to Italy for a second spell with AC Milan? Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Ac Milan are looking a short-term deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic Credit: Getty - Contributor With on-loan striker Gonzalo Higuain returning to fitness and Patrick Cutrone injured, Rossoneri boss Gennaro Gattuso has told the club’s top brass to sound out the Swede about a short-term return to the San Siro, claim Calciomercato.com. Zlatan has been a huge hit for LA Galaxy hitting 20 goals in 24 appearances for the MLS franchise. The 37-year-old’s contract with the Galaxy expires in December 2019 and Milan are hoping his agent Mino Raiola can work his magic and get him back to Italy when the MLS season finishes in December. The plan would be for Zlatan to stay until the 2019 MLS season kicks off next March. 4 Gennaro Gattuso wants to add an experienced striker on a short-term deal Credit: AFP 4 Zlatan has been a huge hit with LA Galaxy scoring 20 goals in 24 games Credit: Getty - Contributor Zlatan quit Milan to join the Paris Saint-Germain revolution six years ago. In his two years at the club, Ibrahimovic scored 56 goals and won the Scudetto before his switch to Ligue 1. The Swede then joined Manchester United as one of Jose Mourinho’s first signings in 2016 helping the club win the League Cup and Europa League. But his debut season was cut short with a serious knee injury and struggled to force his way back into the side and left for the MLS in March.<doc-sep>Shaun Clark/Getty Images AC Milan are reportedly interested in bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the club for a second spell. According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), the Milan giants are seeking to sign a cut-price option to lead the line, and the 37-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy forward is said to be under consideration. Milan would reportedly offer the veteran a deal until the end of the season and are also said to be hopeful any transfer would help improve relations with Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola. The representative is said to be handling contract renewals of Milan stars Gianluigi Donnarumma and Giacomo Bonaventura. Ibrahimovic's family are said to have felt "very well" in Milan previously, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Swedish star enjoyed two seasons with the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012, scoring 56 times before moving to Paris Saint-Germain. Ibrahimovic also excelled during a three-year stint at Inter Milan between 2006 and 2009, where he netted 66 times in 117 outings. Ibrahimovic's career appeared to be winding down when he left Manchester United to join Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer. Video Play Button Videos you might like However, there have been signs in the United States that the evergreen striker is not quite finished: While a lot of forwards tend to slow down when they surpass the age of 30, Ibrahimovic has been able to maintain high standards, particularly in stints with Milan, PSG and United. In terms of goalscoring, the longevity and consistency he has showcased throughout his career has been impressive: He was excellent for the Red Devils in his debut term, helping United win the EFL Cup and playing a part in their UEFA Europa League success. But a nasty knee injury curtailed his season early, and while United signed him up again for another year, he didn't have quite the same spark on his return to fitness. In MLS, he has rediscovered some of the trademark Ibrahimovic swagger—with the caveat that the standard of opposition doesn't compare to the major European leagues. Milan pulled off a coup in the summer by landing Gonzalo Higuain on loan, and despite some injury issues, he has scored twice in four Serie A outings for the club. He's a proven finisher at this level: Given his record in Serie A, the Argentina man should be a regular source of goals, but elsewhere Milan don't have many prolific players to call on. Ibrahimovic seems to be enjoying his time in MLS, and the Los Angeles lifestyle appears to align well with his brash personality. As such, convincing him to leave that behind may be a challenge for the Rossoneri.<doc-sep>AC Milan have reportedly been handed a huge transfer boost as it’s claimed Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said yes to their contract plan. The 37-year-old is currently enjoying hitting top form with LA Galaxy, but as seen over the years when the MLS season comes to an end, it opens up the possibility of a temporary loan move back to Europe. SEE MORE: Great news for AC Milan: Gennaro Gattuso gets major injury boost As reported by Calciomercato, via the paper edition of Corriere della Sera, Milan are keen to bring the former Swedish international back to the San Siro on loan until June, and they’ve reportedly got the approval of Ibrahimovic over the formula albeit there is no final answer on the possible deal as of yet. Having enjoyed a memorable spell with the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012, scoring 56 goals in 85 appearances while winning a Serie A title, the talismanic forward will certainly hold fond memories of his previous stint with the club. Coupled with the fact that the short-term solution could suit coach Gennaro Gattuso given he only has Gonzalo Higuain and Patrick Cutrone as his options up top, the move could make a great deal of sense for all parties concerned. As seen in the last fortnight with Higuain and Cutrone struggling with injury problems, Gattuso has fielded Fabio Borini up front which didn’t work out while Samu Castillejo was used as a false nine in the win over Sassuolo. While that solution did look effective, it surely can’t be seen as an ideal long-term plan if Milan wish to continue to compete on multiple fronts this season. In turn, adding Ibrahimovic for the second half of the campaign, albeit potentially as a third choice striker, could be a great move for the club. With his reported approval of the formula of the contract, he could be edging ever closer to a temporary return to Europe to prove that he can still deliver at the highest level. With 20 goals in 24 appearances for Galaxy, he certainly hasn’t declined Stateside.<doc-sep>A move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not on AC Milan's agenda, according to the club's technical director Leonardo, but he admitted he gave thought to approaching the LA Galaxy forward in the summer. Ibrahimovic won the Serie A title during a two-year spell with the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012, before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain. Corriere della Sera claimed earlier this week that Ibrahimovic is keen on returning to Milan this December, but Leonardo told Sky Sport Italia that there are not currently any plans to bring him back. "Ibrahimovic is attached to AC Milan and the city of Milan and this is a fact," he said. "We've not thought of any possibility [of signing him] yet, also because it is not even the moment to think about it. "I cannot deny that we did give it a bit of thought at the beginning, when we arrived. It was actually more than just a bit of thought because I think he's a player with very particular characteristics. "He's a warrior, somebody who genuinely leads people on and off the field, so he's extraordinary. I'm very attached to him, but to be honest, there's no possibility [of signing him] today." Ibra scored 56 goals in 85 games for the Serie A club. He is contracted to LA Galaxy until December 2019, but could follow the same path taken by David Beckham, who played for Milan during the Major League Soccer offseason.<doc-sep>
Take a close look at week 31 in Major League Soccer, headlined by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact and Alex Ring's stunning finish. (3:00) AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso refused to discuss a report that the club would move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic this winter, saying it is a topic for senior management. Ibrahimovic scored 56 goals in 85 games for Milan between 2010 and 2012, winning the Scudetto in 2011, before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain. According to Corriere della Sera, Ibrahimovic, who joined the LA Galaxy in March and turned 37 on Wednesday, wants to return to Milan in December -- a year ahead of when his contract is due to expire. "I can only send him my best wishes for his birthday," he told Sky Sport Italia. "He's managed to get back to playing as a great protagonist in America after the serious injury he had a few months ago. "That's it -- I can only talk about the players I have available. I don't know if there is any truth behind it at the moment. I just send him my best wishes for his birthday with great affection and great respect." Later, speaking at a news conference ahead of Milan's Europa League game against Olympiakos, Gattuso said he was not the right person to ask about the report. "I wish him well for his birthday, but I can only talk about my own players today," he said. "This is a question you need to put to [director of strategic development Paolo] Maldini, [technical director] Leonardo and [president] Paolo Scaroni. "He's still scoring goals at 37 and I just wish him the best." Ibrahimovic, who also played for Inter Milan from 2006 through 2009, has scored 20 goals in 24 games for the Galaxy following his release by Manchester United.