Andrea Pirlo has vowed to see out his contract with New York City FC and not return to Europe this winter as he is confident that he can convince Italy coach Antonio Conte to pick him for Euro 2016 without the need for a loan move.
Conte recently suggested that it may be in Pirlo's best interests to be playing regularly between now and the summer, and that would imply returning to one of Europe's top leagues.
Consequently, speculation has linked the former Juventus, AC Milan and Inter midfielder with a return across the Atlantic this winter, ahead of the restart of the Major League Soccer season in March.