AC Milan are a step closer to signing Ronaldinho after the Barcelona midfielder's agent admitted there was only one club for him.

After a disappointing and injury-hit season, Ronaldinho has been told by Barca that he is not part of their plans as they make wholesale changes after two trophyless campaigns.

Milan were one of the first clubs to publicly declare their interest in the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and, while others have joined the fray, the Rossoneri remain in pole position.

"We have always had a good relationship with Milan and always been in contact," Roberto De Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, told the website Sportal.it.

"The possibility that Ronaldinho will play in the red and black shirt next year is still there and is the same as a few months ago.

"Nothing has changed. We know that Milan like Ronaldinho and that Ronaldinho likes Milan and we will continue to work to bring the best player in the world to the best club in the world."

Milan's bitter rivals Internazionale are also in the hunt for the Brazil star, who hinted on Sunday that he was close to a move to Chelsea to be reunited with new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, under whom he won the 2002 World Cup.

The Argentinian press have also suggested that Ronaldinho could opt for a shock move to Boca Juniors after he reportedly talked to club officials while training with the national team.

But De Assis insists it is a one-horse race.

"We're only talking to Milan," he said. "We've never heard from Inter or Juventus out of respect for the Rossoneri.

"England? We're looking around, but it's still too soon to decide and anyway there's time until August 31 to find the right solution.

"My brother isn't in the new coach's plans. Everyone has the right to create the team as they want, but we have a contract with Barcelona.

"If they want to sell the player they have to come to an agreement with us and with the club who wants to buy him.

"I can confirm that Ronaldinho would go very willingly to Milan and if it hasn't already happened it's because there have been problems between the two clubs, probably at an economic level, but there's still time to come to an agreement - at least until August 31."

De Assis insists Ronaldinho will not rush into anything, claiming nothing will be decided before he leaves for the Olympic Games.

Ronaldinho, who has not featured in Brazil coach Dunga's plans since November, has a chance to stake his claim for a return to the international fold, and De Assis reiterated his brother's desire to prove he is back to his world-beating best after a four-month lay-off.

"I don't think we'll be going to China knowing what his future will be," he added. "Now my brother is only working on finding his best form and going to play for the national team as a key player.

"He wants to show all his worth after the latest nonsense that has been said about him. He's doing very well and it's not true that lately in Barcelona he was leading a life that an athlete shouldn't."

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