AC Milan Partners With Chinese Team For Player Loans, Academy Swaps

AC Milan has struck up a commercial partnership with Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande, according to ESPN. Representatives from Evergrande had been in discussions with AC Milan VP Adriano Galliani "in recent days." The negotiations "resulted in a deal being reached whereby both clubs will arrange mutually beneficial player loans and first-option schemes," with work set to start on youth football programs as Milan continues to strengthen its business links to potential Chinese investors (ESPN, 12/12). ... FOOTBALL ITALIA reported there are "rumours this partnership could see a Chinese player loaned to Milan in January and the exchange of youth academy prospects" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 12/12). Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Elkeson "is set to join" Evergrande after being released by Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo. The 23-year-old will travel to China on Jan. 4 and will "undergo a routine medical examination" (IANS, 12/12).