Sheva poised for Milan return

Andriy Shevchenko's unhappy spell in England could be over on Thursday with the striker reported to be on the verge of rejoining AC Milan from Chelsea.

Rumours in Italy of a one-year loan deal were followed by comments from Milan director Silvano Ramaccioni, who revealed "there really isn't much more to be done" to take Shevchenko back to the San Siro.

The Ukraine striker has endured two disappointing years at Stamford Bridge following a big-money move from Milan.

Reports suggest Shevchenko could return to Milan in what would initially be a season-long loan deal following a meeting between former club president Silvio Berlusconi and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in Sardinia last Thursday.

The Italian press claim the deal will be finalised on Thursday, or at the latest Friday, and Ramaccioni agrees.

He told Radio Radio: "The manner of the negotiations doesn't surprise me, because I know how much the president appreciated Sheva, how many times he said he tried to bring him back to Milan and now he's succeeded."

Ramaccioni told another radio station, Radio Goal, on Wednesday a deal was as good as done.

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

"I would be extremely delighted if Shevchenko returns to Milan and I am ready to embrace the Ukraine champion again, for us it's about a return home."

Shevchenko remains AC Milan's second most prolific goalscorer of all time having scored 127 goals in 208 games during a seven-year stint.