Transfer news: AC Milan eye Fernando Torres, Javier Hernandez or Roberto Soldado to replace Liverpool-bound Mario Balotelli

Serie A giants could make moves for Premier League stars after Mario exit

Roberto Soldado celebrates his goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Cardiff City (GETTY IMAGES)

AC Milan are reportedly targeting one of Premier League trio Fernando Torres, Javier Hernandez or Roberto Soldado as Mario Balotelli's £16m switch to Liverpool nears completion.

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Italian giants have drawn up a shortlist of six players who could replace 'Super Mario' should his prospective move to Anfield be wrapped up.

Joining the three Premier League stars thought to be on the list, Jackson Martinez, Mattia Destro and Luis Muriel could also be subject to offers in the coming weeks.

Torres, now third in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after Diego Costa and Didier Drogba arrived this summer, is unlikely to leave the London club after Blues boss Jose Mourinho announced himself happy with his current squad.

The beleaguered Spaniard was left out of the eighteen man squad to play Leicester City this weekend.

Manchester United would also be stubborn to sell Hernandez, who started during the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford to Swansea City last weekend, until sufficient cover can be found.

Soldado endured a torrid first season in English football with Tottenham Hotspur, however, Mauricio Pochettino's appointment at White Hart Lane gives the Spaniard new hope of establishing himself.

Balotelli is expected to complete his return to England this weekend after undergoing a medical with the Reds yesterday evening.

Milan, on the other hand, will have to move fast if they are to find a suitable replacement for the Italy international after finishing 8th in Serie A last season.

Running with the headline 'Mario arrives in red, celebration at Liverpool', the Italian newspaper appears certain the deal is only a matter of time.