AC Milan are trying to recall Genoa star Alessandro Matri back to the club in January, to replace the departing Giampaolo Pazzini.

The 30-year-old Italian international front-man has been a hit at the Grifone, with his goals a big factor in their current fourth place standing on the Serie A table.

With Pazzini disillusioned at the San Siro with the lack of game-time he has received this season, he is expected to leave the club on loan in January, with a move to the English Premier League heavily mooted.

Il Secolo XIX report that Milan will attempt to ask Genoa president Enrico Preziosi to cut short his loan deal, but the answer is expected to be a no, with the Grifone relying heavily on his goals this campaign.

The two clubs will then sit down at the end of the season once again to evaluate the situation, with Milan reportedly keen on having him back at the club for the future.