Corinthians have confirmed they hope to sign Milan forward Alexandre Pato in the first week of the January transfer window.
The Seleção international has been heavily linked with a €15 million move away from San Siro over the past couple of weeks, with the World champions emerging as the most likely destination.
Club chief Duilio Monteiro Alves has now backed the potential capture and said it would be a gift to supporters ahead of the new Brasileirão season.
He told ESPN Brasil: “A lot of people know about his potential on the pitch.
“He is an exceptional player. Our medical department and physiotherapists are already following Pato and are going to work with him.
“We hope that in the first week of January we can give him as a gift to Corinthians’ fans.”
The 23-year-old has made 151 appearances for the Rossoneri since joining the club in 2007, despite much of his time in Italy being marred by numerous injuries.
Elsewhere, Milan teammate Robinho is attracting interest from a number of Brazilian clubs as the striker also looks for a return to his homeland.
