Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is trying to persuade Roman Abramovich to approve a move for AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato.

According to Mirror Football, the Portuguese tactician sees Pato as the perfect addition to his squad and is prepared to make a £30m-plus-player offer to land the Brazilian superstar.

Chelsea have been linked with the 21-year-old striker for the last three years, particularly while former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was in charge at Stamford Bridge, but a move never materialised.

Villas-Boas has had a full pre-season to run the rule over his squad and he is aware he must find a way to get the very best out of £50m record buy Fernando Torres.

The former Porto boss has reportedly targeted Pato as the man to accommodate the Spain striker and a player he believes will become a key part of a new-look front-three.

The Brazil international is regarded as one of the biggest talents in world football and would add youth and extra creativity to the Chelsea squad.

Despite a stop-start season due to numerous minor injuries, Pato still managed 14 goals in 25 games. In his four seasons with AC Milan, he has found the back of the net 70 times in 102 appearances and can offer plenty of Champions League experience.

Mirror Football claim the Blues are prepared to offer Milan £20m plus either Salomon Kalou or Nicolas Anelka in part exchange.

However, the San Siro club are reportedly keen to bring Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli back to Italy, particularly if Pato leaves, and will want more than Chelsea's initial offer to make that happen.

(Source: Mirror)