AC Milan has identified Cesc Fabregas as a potential signing as they look to solve their midfield crisis in the January transfer window.

The Rossoneri, currently fifth in the Serie A standings, are short in the heart of midfield because of long-term injuries to both Lucas Biglia and Giacomo Bonaventura.

Fabregas, who has won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, has only made nine appearances under new boss Maurizio Sarri so far this season and his contract are due to expire next summer.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan officials Leonardo and Paolo Maldini have already started to identify ‘two or three new players’ for the January window.

One of those is said to be Fabregas and the club has reportedly made contact with his representatives to discuss a possible deal to bring him to Italy.

Leandro Paredes of Zenit and Celta Vigo’s Stanislav Lobotka are also being considered as options but Fabregas is the principal target.

Milan is keen to see what sort of deal would be preferable for both themselves and for Chelsea.

Fabregas’ huge wages present a stumbling block though and Milan would need to reduce those in order to sign him.

Such are their problems in midfield, Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso has even been considering reintroducing 33-year-old Riccardo Montolivo to the team to plug the gap.

Reports last week suggested Milan also want to sign out-of-favor Liverpool midfielder Fabinho this January as the Brazilian searches for more regular time on the pitch.

The £40million summer signing from Monaco has made just three Premier League starts under Jurgen Klopp and one Champions League start for Liverpool during the first part of the season.

And, according to Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport, Milan are considering offering him an escape route to increased game time.