Ronaldo's prospective move to AC Milan moved closer after Real Madrid began negotiations with the Italian club. Madrid official Franco Baldini reportedly met Milan vice president Adriano Galliani for the first time since last August, when the clubs couldn't agreed a transfer fee for the Brazil striker.
"It's certainly true that Ronaldo interests us," Galliano said on Spanish radio. "We are prepared to negotiate with Real Madrid. This evening I have spoken to Baldini and tomorrow there may be another meeting. I don't want to talk figures."
News reports said on Wednesday that Madrid won't allow Ronaldo to move on a free transfer. The Spanish club is said to want €10 million (US$13 million), well below Milan's unsuccessful offer of €22 million (US$28.6 million) five months ago.
Ronaldo, who is under contract until June 2008, has seven days remaining of the January transfer window to switch clubs. Otherwise, he will have to stay at Madrid at least until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old striker, who hasn't been picked for Madrid since the Jan. 7 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna, said Monday his difficulties with coach Fabio Capello seem set to force him out of the club.
A move to Milan would take Ronaldo back to the city where he spent five years with rival Inter. He joined Madrid in 2002, winning the Spanish league at the end of his first season-his last major title.
{{/usCountry}}A move to Milan would take Ronaldo back to the city where he spent five years with rival Inter. He joined Madrid in 2002, winning the Spanish league at the end of his first season-his last major title.
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