The son of Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, Pier Silvio, revealed earlier this week that he is keen on signing the striker.

"As a future target I’d like Andy Carroll," he told The Sun.

"I must admit that for his body build, and after seeing his header in the Euros, I would like to have Carroll at Milan."

Hateley joined AC Milan from Portmsouth in 1984.

"It would be breath of fresh air for Andy Carroll," he told TalkSport. "It would be great to go away and test himself in a new environment, a new culture and a different way of living.

"That was key for my development when I was so young. I played under a young Fabio Capello at Milan. They teach you the game inside and out, that’s what they do in these countries, especially Italy.

"Big strikers have always been a handful. It would be great for Andy and, when he’s taken all that on board, it’ll be great for England.

"At his age you’re still very young and very raw. You’re susceptible to taking on new projects and ideas.

"He’s got great strengths in his game already but he still has a lot of weaknesses. They [Milan] can deconstruct his game and build it back up again to the way a European centre-forward should be."