The 30-year-old Ukraine international has failed to live up to his illustrious reputation since his 30 million pounds transfer from the Serie A giants last year, scoring just four league goals for the Blues.

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi confirmed that his club are trying to bring Shevchenko back to the San Siro.

"The other day when I spoke to (AC Milan vice-president) Galliani, the deal seemed 80 percent done," Berlusconi was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If the situation has changed since then Galliani would have definitely told me.

"Sheva has a great desire to return and there would be no problems in terms of his salary. He would be paid the same as our best players.

"Then we need to reach an agreement with Chelsea over the transfer fee. I believe Sheva would be ideal to complete our attack."

Milan, who won the Champions League last month after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Athens final, have been linked with a move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

However, Berlusconi said he would prefer to get his hands on Shevchenko rather than the 26-year-old Cameroon international.

"I like Eto'o, he's young, but I prefer Sheva." said the former Italian prime minister.

"I am a romantic. Sheva is like a son to me and we have been through a lot together."

Shevchenko joined AC Milan from Dynamo Kiev in 1999 and helped them win the 2002-2003 Champions League and the 2003-2004 Serie A title.