Cologne linked with El Shaarawy move

AC Milan’s Stephan El Shaarawy is set for a loan spell with Cologne as he looks for first-team opportunities, according to reports in Italy.

Sky Sport Italia claims that the Bundesliga outfit are looking to take the former Padova forward on a loan spell that will either last for six or 18 months.

The 19-year-old has found his path to the first team at San Siro blocked by the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Alexandre Pato, while the likely arrival of Carlos Tevez will push the teenager even further down the pecking order.

Cologne have found themselves reliant on Lukas Podolski for goals this season, and coach Stale Solbakken is eager for another striker to ease the scoring burden on the Germany international.

Italy under-21 representative El Shaarawy has scored one goal in seven Serie A appearances for title holders Milan this season.