Lopez signing ends AC Milan's Tevez pursuit

AC Milan's signing of Argentine striker Maxi Lopez on a loan deal on Friday effectively ended the Serie A side's pursuit of compatriot Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

Lopez, who has scored three goals in 14 league appearances for Serie A rivals Catania this season, joins Milan on loan with the option to make the move permanent in the summer.

"We were very near concluding with Tevez," said AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who indicated that the English Premier League club were in the end looking for more than they were willing to pay.

"But I gave my word to Catania and to Maxi. He's a very strong player, ready straight away and who can play Champions League."

Lopez, 27, has been at Catania for a year and a half and has scored 23 goals in 58 matches.

Milan had already reached agreement for Lopez last month but had not given up hope of signing Tevez.

"I'm happy given all than has happened (the long transfer from Catania), but the reward came at the end - joining this big team," said Lopez.

He started his career at River Plate before playing for Barcelona where he won the Champions League in 2006, Real Mallorca, FC Moscow and Gremio Porto Alegre of Brazil.

Tevez has been in the wilderness at City since a spectacular bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini in September following his apparent refusal to come off the bench in the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.

Milan, their city rivals Inter and French side Paris St Germain were the three clubs linked with Tevez this month.

Inter and PSG have already withdrawn their interest.

Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian said earlier on Friday in an interview with talkSPORT that his client could remain at City until the next transfer window.

"We've been in negotiations with three big clubs," said Joorabchian.

"I don't think anyone has reached the numbers City were hoping for."

"At the moment it looks like Carlos will remain at City until this summer."