Transfer Talk: Milan set for talks over Ibrahimovic

(GETTY IMAGES)

Milan chief Executive Adriano Galliani has claimed that the club are set to begin negotiations with Barcelona over the possible transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish forward, who moved to the Nou Camp from Internazionale for £57m last summer, has been linked with a move away from the La Liga champions following the arrival of David Villa from Valencia in May.

"The negotiation for Ibrahimovic is officially open," Galliani said. "On Wednesday I'll meet the president of Barcelona." Galliani did, however, concede that the completion of any move would be a challenge: "The negotiations will be difficult. We have not talked about the financial side yet."

Ibrahimovic's agent, Mino Raiola, admits any deal would be unlikely. "[Pep] Guardiola does not want to sell Zlatan," Raiola said of the Barcelona manager. "A move to Milan seems impossible to me."

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough striker Mido has joined Ajax on a free transfer. The 27-year-old's move follows Boro manager Gordon Strachan's admission that the Egyptian did not feature in his plans at the Riverside, allowing Mido to be reunited with Ajax manager Martin Jol, whom he worked with at Tottenham.

"I'm very happy," Jol said. "We needed an extra striker and have been working hard to sign a relatively cheap forward."