Ronaldinho get closer to MILAN

AC Milan are on the brink of completing their purchase of Barcelona's Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho, the Italian press reported on Saturday.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport an agreement has been reached between AC Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliano and Barcelona president Joan Laporta for a fee of 15 million euros, with Ronaldinho set to sign a two-year contract to 2010 worth 6.5 million euros per year.

It will be a major coup for the 2007 European Champions who are still licking their wounds after failing to reach the 2008-09 Champions League and needed a big signing to signal their intent for next season.

The club will also be delighted with the price that they have negotiated for a player they have been tracking for over a year, with the final total 20 million euros lower than Barcelona's initial request of 35 million euros.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to pair him in an all-Brazilian attacking trident, along with Kaka and their young sensation, Alexander Pato.

The former AC Milan and Roma midfielder will have high hopes for a player who hit 70 goals in 149 matches at the Nou Camp and helped Barcelona to the 2006 Champions League title.

There was no mention made as to whether Ronaldinho will be able to take his place as part of Brazil's squad for the Beijing Olympic Games.

He was initially named in the 18-man squad before new Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola refused to release him.