Ronaldinho likely to switch to Milan

MILAN, Italy -- Ronaldinho is likely to play for AC Milan next season, according to the Italian club and the player's agent.

The Brazilian, who has had a disappointing season in Spain, will not play again this season because of a leg injury.

"In general Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement," his agent and brother Roberto de Assis was quoted as saying on the Gazzetta dello Sport Web site on Saturday.

Gazzetta reported that a deal up to 2012, worth eight million euros ($12.6 million) a year, was planned, but a few clauses were still to be settled.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said: "There is a general agreement with the player. Now a deal has to be reached with Barcelona. Give us time."

Milan are fifth in Serie A and in danger of missing next year's Champions League after a poor season.

The European champions went out of this year's Champions League when they lost to Arsenal in the first knockout round.

Ronaldinho has made few appearances as Carlo Ancelotti's side have generally struggled to score.

Fellow striker Alberto Gilardino has rarely impressed and world player of the year Kaka has been below his best.

Ancelotti has, however, been assured that he will still be in his post next season. E-mail to a friend