Milan want Mendieta magic

AC Milan are still hoping to tempt Valencia into selling Gaizka Mendieta, but the Rossoneri will have to meet the release-clause in his contract which is reportedly set at 10,000 million pesetas (£37 million).

Milan director Adriano Galliani reportedly held talks with Valencia president Pedro Cortes in Barcelona on Wednesday and he left knowing that if Mendieta was to swap the Mestalla for the San Siro, then they would have to pay a club record fee.

Mendieta was the driving force behind Valencia's success last season, and guided them to the Champions League final, but as a result his talents were obviously brought to the attention of the top clubs in Europe, and Milan are now leading the chase.

Cortes has previously stated that Mendieta is 'intransferable', but he knows that if Milan pay the £37 million clause, he is powerless to stop the move from going ahead.

But according to reports in Spain, Galliani also asked Cortes about Argentinian winger Kily Gonzalez, but received no encouragement from the Valencia supremo.

The pair also aimed to conclude the Gerard deal, which is all but sealed, and the two clubs only need to agree a fee.

Milan have reportedly agreed terms with the player himself, but Valencia are holding out for £10.1 million plus Roberto Ayala, but AC have only offered £6.5 million plus Ayala.

The deal though should be concluded within the next month, but Gerard will stay with Valencia for one more year before arriving in Italy for the 2001/02 season.

Gonzalez is the newest link, but Valencia will be determined to hang onto him, whilst also attempting to retain the services of captain Mendieta.