Ronaldinho is due to hold talks with his club Barcelona and AC Milan on Monday in a bid to finalise his move to the Serie A side.

The Brazilian star has been told he is not needed at the Nou Camp following a dip in form last season and the recent appointment of Pep Guardiola as the club's new manager.

Manchester City have a long-standing interest in bringing Ronaldinho to the Premier League, but now look set to miss out on the World Cup winner.

Milan's Spanish consultant Ernesto Bronzetti has spoken to the talented playmaker, and claims Ronaldinho has given verbal assurances that Carlo Ancelotti's side is his preferred destination.

Ronaldinho, accompanied by his brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, is reported to be due to fly from Brazil to Barcelona for a meeting with Barca technical director Txiki Begiristain and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Bronzetti told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I spoke with Ronaldinho as he was leaving Porto Alegre for Barcelona and he told me I want to play for you'."

The consultant also claimed that the Italian side will release Ronaldinho for Brazil's attempt to win their first Olympic gold in China this summer.

He added: "I believe that Galliani has already said yes to him."

More news from SportingLife.com