Milan reach deal to sign Cassano
Reuters - Monday 20 December 2010, 20:23
MILAN - AC Milan have reached a deal to
sign Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano, a Milan spokesman said
on Monday.
The Italy forward, suspended by Samp since October after
verbally abusing the club president, is expected to sign
formally for the Serie A leaders once the transfer window opens
in early January.
The club have not given details of the deal but media
reports said Milan, Samp and the player had equally split a five
million euro sell-on clause owed to former owners Real Madrid.
Milan hope to gain Samp's permission for the 28-year-old to
go on their mid-season training camp in Dubai given Serie A does
not resume until January 6.
Despite Cassano's chequered past, Milan have gained a
much-needed extra forward as injuries to Filippo Inzaghi and
Alexandre Pato have meant Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been bearing
too much of the scoring burden.
The skilful attacker's arrival will increase speculation
that out-of-favour Ronaldinho could be heading for the Milan
exit door with his contract up in June.
Former AS Roma front-man Cassano has become a key part of
Cesare Prandelli's new-look Italy and will now hope to return to
the national team having missed last month's friendly with
Romania because he was not match fit.