Santos president to fly to Milan for Robinho talks

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian football club Santos' president Modesto Roma Junior will fly to Italy next week to negotiate a permanent deal for AC Milan loanee Robinho.

Roma Junior said on Tuesday that he has scheduled a meeting with AC Milan officials to extend Robinho's stay beyond August when the forward's current loan agreement expires, reports Xinhua.

"We are going to Italy to talk to the club (AC Milan) about Robinho. I wouldn't be making the trip if I didn't think it was worthwhile. It's important for our group that we try to keep him," Roma Junior said.

Robinho has scored 14 goals from 32 matches since rejoining Santos last August. The 31-year-old began his career at Santos in 2002, winning the Serie A in his first season.

He also helped Santos to the title in 2004 before being sold to Real Madrid the following year.

The Brazil international returned on a six-month loan in 2010, playing an important role in the club's Copa do Brasil title.