Brazil striker Ronaldo is likely to be sidelined until November after undergoing surgery on ruptured knee ligaments in Paris last month.

And Berlusconi believes Chelsea's former Milan favourite Shevchenko can fill the void.

He said: "I think regularly about Shevchenko and I often speak to him.

"The fans would understand that this would be the ideal choice for us. He is a player who is ready to help and for us that would be the ideal solution.

"I don't think that (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich will have a problem in letting him go."

Shevchenko became Milan's second all-time leading goalscorer in a glorious seven-year spell which ended in the summer of 2006 when he joined Chelsea for £30million.

However, he has failed to shine at Stamford Bridge, although his record of 21 goals in 53 appearances is still respectable.