Milan expect to seal Ronaldo deal

AC Milan expect to wrap up a deal to sign Ronaldo on Tuesday despite failing to reach an agreement with Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old Brazilian striker has already passed a medical with the Italian club.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani met Real officials on Monday and said: "We have offered seven million euros (£4.6m) and Real want eight (£5.3m).

"Only one million euros separates us. I am expecting to be back in Milan on Tuesday morning with Ronaldo."

Ronaldo, who has 18 months left on his Real Madrid contract, cost £20m when he joined Real from Inter Milan in 2002.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told Italy's Radio Anch'io Sport of his excitement at the potential return of the three-time World Player of the Year and the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.

Ancelotti said: "He's not particularly fit at the moment because, having been excluded from the Real squad, he has lost some of his enthusiasm in training. But he remains a great player."

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon had made it clear that Ronaldo is on his way out of the club, having barely played under new coach Fabio Capello.

Ronaldo has started only three league matches under Italian Capello, who has been focusing on bringing in new blood since taking over in the summer.

The former Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and Inter forward has also been linked with AC Italian rivals Juventus and a move to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo has scored 69 league goals for Real in 98 appearances.

BBC