Ronaldinho, the former World Player of the Year, is expected to sign for AC Milan today, bringing Manchester City’s dogged three-month pursuit of the Barcelona and Brazil forward to a frustrating conclusion.

City had still not conceded defeat last night, but a statement on Milan’s website suggested that a deal and a three-year contract had been agreed subject to a medical examination.

Joining City could have been potentially more lucrative for Ronaldinho - and for Barcelona - but more than half of the £200,000-a-week deal they offered was contingent on him and the club reaching various targets. Ronaldinho, 28, has chosen a more straightforward deal with Milan, who are due to play a friendly at the City of Manchester Stadium on August 9.

Decent bets

Manchester United are confident of signing Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur, even though they have yet to improve on their opening bid of £20million.

Wigan Athletic expect to sign Andrew Johnson, the forward, once Everton have lined up a replacement. Olivier Kapo should complete his £3.5million move to Wigan once the midfield player has resolved a financial dispute with Birmingham City.

West Ham United are increasingly hopeful confident of signing Valon Behrami, the Lazio and Switzerland midfield player.

Sunderland's pursuit of Dorin Goian, the Romania defender, has hit a late hitch, with Steaua Bucharest demanding £4million for the 27-year-old, £200,000 more than the North East club are willing to pay.

Dead certs

Fulham have completed the signings of John Pantsil and Bobby Zamora from West Ham for a combined fee of £6.3million.

Georgios Samaras has joined Celtic from Manchester City for £1million after a successful loan.

Peter Halmosi, the Plymouth Argyle midfield player, has agreed to join Hull City in a £3million move today, and Marek Cech, the Czech Republic midfield player, has joined West Bromwich Albion from FC Porto for £1.4million.