Maxi Rodriguez eyes Argentina return

Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez could be on his way back to Argentina after admitting he has always wanted to return to boyhood club Newell's Old Boys.

The 30-year-old came through the youth set-up to play three first-team seasons for the Rosario-based side before moving to Espanyol in 2002.

"When I left here, I knew I was coming back," Rodriguez told Argentinian newspaper La Capital.

"The president [William Lorenzo] called me and I said yes. Now it depends on the contract I have in Liverpool, maybe that can be loosened a little."

Despite a successful end to the campaign with Liverpool, scoring two hat-tricks as he hit seven goals in three matches, Rodriguez is likely to be only a fringe player next season.

As manager Kenny Dalglish looks to freshen up his squad and bring in younger players Rodriguez's age is likely to count against him and, as one of the club's higher earners, owners Fenway Sports Group would prefer to get better value for money from new signings.

However, the player would have to take a significant drop in salary in order to return to his homeland.

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AC Milan rule out return of Kaka

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has closed the door on Real Madrid midfielder Kaka returning to the San Siro outfit in the near future.

Galliani responded to ongoing speculation the Brazil international would move back to the Rossoneri this summer, after a troubled spell with Madrid in which injuries and form have hindered his career, by claiming a deal would not be possible.

"I'm 100% certain that he [Kaka] will not return," Galliani said to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He will not join us even on loan because the problem is his high wages."

The 29-year-old joined Madrid from Milan in 2009 and is under contract with the La Liga side until June 2015.

Milan will make just one more signing this summer, according to Galliani, but it will not be Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Germany international is considered a potential target of the Serie A champions, who are looking to bring in a left-sided midfielder following the departure of Andrea Pirlo to Juventus.

"Only one player will arrive. A big name that will join us before the end of the transfer market," said Galliani.

"It's still early days and I don't want to give any clues.

"However, Schweinsteiger will not come and Kaka will not return to the club because of his high wages."

Milan have been linked with a host of top players, including Palermo's Javier Pastore and Santos star Ganso.

The Rossoneri already strengthened their defensive line last month with the arrival of Philippe Mexes from Roma and Taye Taiwo from Lyon.

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