Barcelona stalwart, Carlos Puyol, could be on his way to AC Milan as the defender has yet to agree a new deal with the Champions League winners to keep him at the Nou Camp.

The 31-year old stopper's contract expires at the end of this season, and with the emergence of the impressive Pique and Marquez at the back for Barcelona, Puyol may feel his time with Barca is up and seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

He is something of a Catalan legend, having made over 300 appearances for the Spanish giants, and led them to countless trophies in his ten year stint at the Nou Camp.

The Euro 2008 winner had been linked with a move to England, with Arsene Wenger and Mark Hughes both expressing a desire to land the veteran centre back.

But reports in Italy suggest AC Milan are strong favourites to lure Puyol from Spain and help bolster the miserable defence currently operating at the San Siro.

Milan boss Leonardo has been in the firing line recently as the Rossoneri have made a disastrous start to the Serie A season, and currently lie in 12th place - 7 points off leaders and city rivals Inter Milan.

However, a move for Puyol would at least demonstrate to fans that he has the ambition and drive to improve his toiling troops.