Brazilian striker Ronaldo was scheduled to undergo a medical at AC Milan yesterday as he took a step closer to completing his drawn-out move from Real Madrid.
Adriano Galliani, Milan's administrative official, said that Ronaldo would have his medical yesterday before club officials travel to Spain to finalize the details on Monday.
"Tomorrow [Friday] Ronaldo will submit to a medical visit and then on Monday I have already fixed an appointment with Real," he said.
The 30-year-old Brazilian striker, who watched AC Milan's Italian Cup match against Roma on Thursday, has been the subject of transfer talks since the summer, with new Real coach Fabio Capello virtually deeming the 2002 world champion surplus to requirements.
This season he has hardly featured and although Real were reportedly still hoping to net 10 million euros (US$13 million) for the player they signed for 45 million euros from Inter Milan in 2002, reports from Italy said a fee would come in nearer 7.5 million euros.
Spain's El Mundo newspaper said the transfer fee would be nearer 6 million euros.
The clubs' lengthy negotiations had stalled over a difference in their perception of the burly Brazilian's value, with the Italians seeking to close a deal for 5 million euros.
But according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, AC Milan are willing to pay 7.5 million euros if necessary.
Some teammates had urged the club to keep faith with Ronaldo and striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy expressed surprise at the news the Brazilian was already on his way.
"Is that so? If he leaves I'll be sad. For me he's still here -- I trained with him today as usual," said the Dutchman, who added. "He's a fantastic person and an incredible player."
Ronaldo is no stranger to Italy having starred for Inter between 1997 and 2002.
His current contract with Real was set to expire in June next year.
El Mundo, quoting unnamed Real sources, said Ronaldo would sign a deal with AC Milan through to the end of next season.
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