Bournemouth have reportedly made an audacious enquiry about signing AC Milan and Italy forward Stephan El Shaarawy.

The 23-year-old has been on loan with Monaco this season, failing to score in seven Ligue 1 appearances, but remains an important figure in Antonio Conte’s Italian side.

Eddie Howe has already succeeded in luring Roma's Paraguayan international Juan Iturbe to Dean Court this month, on loan, and is believed to fancy his chances of pulling of similar coup with El Shaarawy.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, the Cherries are looking into the possibility of a temporary switch until May with a view to sealing a permanent £10m deal at a later date.

Juan Iturbe joined this month (Getty Images)

Milan are known to be cash-strapped and would reluctantly consider any offers which come in for their most valued talents. Should Howe fail with his latest ambitious swoop, Leeds United midfielder Lewis Cook is another option.

The 18-year-old is highly thought of at the Championship club and it is likely they would demand a sizable fee should any top-flight outfit show an interest.