Milan will battle it out with Chelsea, Real Madrid and a host of other big clubs to sign Neymar, the 17-year-old striker dubbed “the new Pele.”
The Santos youngster is widely regarded as the best talent Brazil has produced since Alexandre Pato, who of course joined Milan in 2007.
Neymar has made just six appearances for Santos, but his efforts have been enough to impress the giants of world football.
Real Madrid are believed to have already signed a pre-contract agreement with the player's agent, Wagner Ribeiro.
A ringing endorsement from Pele, the Brazil legend, has also sparked interest around Neymar, who has also been likened to another former Santos hero, Manchester City striker Robinho.
“Neymar can become even stronger than I was,” Pele said in a recent interview. “But for now leave him be.”
Neymar first came to prominence when he scored on his debut for Santos aged 14 in a friendly against Real Madrid that was part of the Robinho deal.
Quick with a devastating left foot and great goalscoring ability, Neymar is expected to star at the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria this summer.
Milan, who already have several Brazilians on their books, are now looking to rejuvenate their ageing squad and Neymar fits their criteria.
The Rossoneri have been very active in the Brazilian transfer market over the last 18 months, not only signing Pato, but Thiago Silva and Felipe Mattioni, too.
President Silvio Berlusconi is also ready to replace his Coach, Carlo Ancelotti, with the club's technical director and former Brazil international Leonardo.
The latter often scouts South America for the Rossoneri and the Italian Press speculate that he is already “building his own squad.”