Corinthians chief Duilio Monteiro Alves is confident of closing a deal for AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is in Brazil this week to negotiate the sale of Patio.

Alves revealed: "We are very optimistic. We have to be very careful not to create too many expectations for the fans, but it is was a good conversation and we go forward with confidence.

"The negotiations are difficult, with very high amounts, but we made a good first step.

"We are going to buy, but the figures are still being discussed, as well as the issue of percentages.

"The conversation was very good with Galliani, the deal is complicated, but as a first step it has been very good."