Andriy Shevchenko could be sent out on loan to former club AC Milan in the January transfer window, reports today suggest.

The Ukrainian striker signed for Chelsea from the Rossoneri in the summer, but has thus far failed to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge.

And according to a British newspaper report, Jose Mourinho has lost patience with the forward after scoring just three goals so far this season.

However they claim he would only be allowed to return to Italy on a six-month loan deal for 'personal problems', as Shevchenko's wife is struggling to settle.

Mourinho would only sanction a move when a replacement is signed, and reports on Tuesday claimed the Premiership champions were lining up a bid for Valencia's David Villa.

Valencia president Juan Soler claimed that no approach had been made by Chelsea, but any buyer would have to pay Villa's buy-out clause, which currently stands at £100million.