AC Milan are ready to pounce as Gianluca Zambrotta prepares to demand a move away from Barcelona.

El Mundo Deportivo says Zambrotta has confessed to Barca teammates he wants to return to Italy after struggling to adapt to coach Frank Rijkaard's plans this season.

Zambrotta is enjoying his football more with Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad and with wife Valentina dreadfully homesick is determined to leave the Nou Camp.

Barca paid £8 million to sign Zambrotta from Juventus last year, but are prepared to smooth his return to Serie A by keeping down their asking price.

Milan are clear favourites for the World Cup winner.