Japanese international expected to join Italian giants when contract expires.
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed that he is hopeful the club can sign CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda in January.
The 27-year-old is expected to leave Russia although it had been unclear as to whether that would be this summer or in January.
With his contract set to expire in December, it appears Milan are favouring a move for the free agent in six months time given their desire to avoid paying a fee to sign him sooner.
The Japanese international has been linked with a move to one of Europe’s top leagues for a number of years, and there had been interest from the Premier League with Everton.
However, his agent has previously revealed Milan remain the priority and it would appear that he will get his wish in the new year.
“I strongly hope that he can arrive in January,” Galliani said at a press conference on Monday which marked the first-team’s return to pre-season training, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He has excellent technical skills, I believe that his ideal role is as a playmaker,” he added.
Honda’s move hinges on the exit of Robinho, who is expected to re-join former club Santos before the Brazilian transfer window closes on July 15.
The Rossoneri have also been linked with a move for Fiorentina starlet Adem Ljajic, who is set for contract talks with the club over an increase in his salary.
“Ljajic? I often speak with [Daniele] Prade [Fiorentina’s sporting director], we need to see if he leaves Fiorentina, and what it costs, etc.. ”
While Milan await the departure of Robinho, it is possible that they may decide to swoop for Ljajic this summer and add Honda in January.
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