Why AC Milan were prepared to cash in on Kaka

Kaka, the former FIFA World Player of the Year and all round footballing genius. What superlatives can I throw that haven't already been said about the man? He is one of the top 5 players in world and can change a game in an instant. Much revered throughout Italy for his charitable nature and humility, whilst terrorising defences around the peninsula on a weekly basis. But what has made AC Milan think about selling their prize asset after recently stipulating he is not for sale - AT ANY PRICE.

The sale of Kaka to Manchester City has been covered in depth by every major Newspaper, TV Station and website, but I hope to offer a different perspective on Milan's motivation to let the midfielder leave and take part in the biggest protracted transfer ever in world football.

Kaka is a hero amongst the Rossoneri supporters, and has openly said he wants to "grow old" at Milan, whilst later saying, "If Milan want to sell me, I'll sit down and talk [with Manchester City]. I can say that as long as the club don't want to sell me, I'll definitely stay." Strong words and shows a clear willingness to stay with the Rossoneri, but can Milan afford to reject £100 million plus? I think not.

Investment is needed in a back line that has an average age your local bowling club would be proud of. However, with little money to invest, the price on Kaka's head could be used to strengthen other areas of the team. Along with defenders, a goalkeeper is another must. Alongside Dida, a faded force himself is Abbiati, who is just not up to AC Milan standards. Questions must also be asked about the ability of 35 year-old Filippo Inzaghi and 32 year-old Andriy Shevchenko to perform at the highest level on a regular basis. Pato needs time to develop, and cannot be relied upon to score 25+ goals a season at such a young age. Thus a striker is another requirement.

These areas need to be addressed, sooner rather than later and £100 million would come in extremely handy when rebuilding an ageing side. Whilst also paying off debts incurred after failure to qualify for the Champions League.

One ace up Berlusconi and co's sleeve could be Yoann Gourcuff. Once dubbed ‘the new Zidane' he signed for Milan in 2006, but his playing time at the San Siro was limited and not being guaranteed a starting spot, with Ricardo Kaka playing in his favoured position, his frustration grew. Currently on loan at Bordeaux, and in impeccable form, scoring 11 goals in 19 games so far, coupled with a string of impressive performances for club and country. Could it be possible this has not gone unnoticed by the Milan hierarchy?

One potential stumbling block could be the €15 million price the two clubs have agreed. Interviewed by L'Equipe and asked about Yoann Gourcuff, Milan Chief Executive, Adriano Galliani declared, "If Bordeaux won't use their right of ransom by paying us €15 million, Yoann will return with us and certainly we won't loan him ever again. He is an excellent player and he would be useful".

Speculation, will go on but Gourcuff has stated he doesn't want to return to Milan but, with Bordeaux somewhat reluctant to part with such a vast amount of money, the Frenchman's future could well lie at the San Siro.

Should Man Utd be worried about 'the best team in Europe'?

After passing another test in Spain's top division, Barcelona continue their rampant quest for the La Liga crown. Coming back from 2-1 down away to bottom club Osasuna to win 3-2 on Sunday is testament to their title credentials. The attitude of this side is astounding, after falling behind and looking visibly stunned they stepped up a gear or 3, and levelled through Xavi, before Lionel Messi hit a superlative 20-yard drive on 85 minutes to seal the 3 points.

This was Barcelona's 13th consecutive away win and their eighth in La Liga. A win that also breaks the record of seven consecutive away victories that was previously held by the Real Madrid of 1960-61. They also have the chance to usurp Real Madrid once more, if they secure a point against Deportivo at the weekend. If they do inevitably go on to snatch that one point, Barca will become the team with the highest points tally at the halfway stage in the history of La Liga.

In what amounts to a 24 game unbeaten run, there are various key components that make this team special. Lionel Messi being the obvious choice, the midfield pairing of Xavi and Iniesta, not to mention a blossoming new partnership between Henry and Eto'o.

Messi has 20 goals in 22 games this season, and in my mind is the world's best player. His winner against Osasuna proved he can shoot from distance and deliver when his team needs him most. His dribbling is phenomenal, vision and work-rate also excellent. Coupled with the fact he is only 21, the guy is a special talent and truly has the world at his feet.

In addition to the Argentine master is a supporting cast of Xavi who is majestic in his passing and combination play with Andres Iniesta, who himself has become a fundamental component in this Barcelona side. With x-ray vision reminiscent of a 1960's comic book hero who can seemingly play passes straight through defences with ease, Iniesta is certainly another player who deserves a massive amount of praise.

Thierry Henry has come in for a lot of criticism since moving to Barcelona, but has now formed a formidable partnership with Samuel Eto'o. Scoring 9 goals in 16 appearances in La Liga, he looks set to eclipse the 12 he managed all last season. In tandem with Eto'o, who is the leading scorer with an incredible 16 goals in 17 games, Barca possess front line that is second to none.

Barcelona have a 12 point lead over bitter rivals Real Madrid and look to have La Liga all but sewn up. A 3-1 away leg lead over Athletico in the Copa del Rey and a favourable Champions League draw against Lyon. Can this team win the treble? It will be difficult for any side to try and tame this beast, who in my opinion are the currently the absolute top side playing in Europe.