AC Milan says Shevchenko return close to done

AC Milan director Silvano Ramaccioni has revealed that a deal to bring Andriy Shevchenko back to the club is close and is hopeful minor matters can be settled soon.

Shevchenko joined Milan from Dynamo Kiev and established himself as one of the best strikers in the world over several successful seasons with the Rossoneri.

He was bought by Chelsea for $60 million in 2006, with reports suggesting his wife desired to move to England and the player himself greatly admired by billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

However, the Ukrainian found life difficult in the Premier League, unaided by the fact he was not coach Jose Mourinho's preferred option, and rarely even showed glimpses of the form he held for years prior to the transfer.

Though new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has intimated that he will give the star a second chance to prove himself, something he has said he is eager to do, it appears as though a long-mooted dream reunion is in the cards.

Milan has found itself somewhat short up front due to injuries and is looking to improve its striking options.

Following its failure to qualify for the Champions League, Milan remained somewhat cash strapped, and an initial one-year loan is thought to be completed in the coming days before he is signed permanently next summer.

"We are close to the end of the deal," Romaccioni revealed to Radio Goal. "I hope these little things that have to be done are done as soon as possible."