Milan reach deal to sign Sampdoria`s Cassano

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 Jan. 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 frontman 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. Bureau Report