Despite an underwhelming career in Europe and an awful run of injuries, Fernando Gago is being linked with a move to AC Milan as he moves into the last six months of his current Boca Juniors deal.

Amid reports that Boca have been unable to agree to a new contract with the 30-year-old, rumours of AC Milan attempting to sign Gago on a free transfer have gathered pace.

It is understood that Milan manager Vincenzo Montella is keen to add Gago’s experience to the squad having worked together at Roma in 2011 and while the Italian club now have considerable financial backing from Chinese owners, a free deal for a player still only 30 would be considered too good to turn down.

Gago and his representatives can now begin negotiating with other clubs but Boca remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached. Given how much football the 30-year-old has missed over the past two years as a result of two serious achilles injuries, there is thought to be a big difference between the club’s inital offer and what Gago is asking for.

Mindful of his injury record, Boca were hoping to have an incentive based deal which would see Gago earn based on the number of games played and titles won but the former Real Madrid midfielder’s representatives have now presented a counter-offer that asks for 35% more money.

Few would have expected to see Fernando Gago back in Europe at this stage of his career but if Boca are not able to match his expectations his agents will certainly look at another shot.