AC Milan [ Images ] have reached a deal to sign Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano, a Milan spokesman said on Monday.

The Italy [ Images ] forward, suspended by Samp since October after verbally abusing the club president, is expected to sign formally for the Serie A leaders once the transfer window opens in early January.

The club have not given details of the deal but media reports said Milan, Samp and the player had equally split a five million euro sell-on clause owed to former owners Real Madrid [ Images ].

Milan hope to gain Samp's permission for the 28-year-old to go on their mid-season training camp in Dubai [ Images ] given Serie A does not resume until January 6.

Despite Cassano's chequered past, Milan have gained a much-needed extra forward as injuries to Filippo Inzaghi and Alexandre Pato [ Images ] have meant Zlatan Ibrahimovic [ Images ] has been bearing too much of the scoring burden.

The skilful attacker's arrival will increase speculation that out-of-favour Ronaldinho [ Images ] could be heading for the Milan exit door with his contract up in June.

Former AS Roma frontman Cassano has become a key part of Cesare Prandelli's new-look Italy and will now hope to return to the national team having missed last month's friendly with Romania because he was not match fit.