Rivaldo poised to shun Newcastle

Rivaldo appears set to turn his back on a move to the Premiership after AC Milan admitted they were in discussions to bring the World Cup winner to Italy.

The Brazilian, whose contract with Barcelona was ended by mutual consent on Sunday, wants to stay in Spain but has ruled out a move to Real Madrid.

Newcastle had expressed an interest in signing Rivaldo but they seem set to be thwarted as Italian giants AC Milan head the list of club’s fighting for his signature.

Milan are reportedly willing to offer him a route to Italy’s Serie A by matching the astronomic wages which were behind Barca president Joan Gaspart’s decision to let the talented 30-year-old leave the Nou Camp a year before his contract was due to expire.

Rivaldo’s advisor Marcelo Arguello told PA International: ‘‘Real Madrid is perhaps the only club that could in principle get him but there are many factors against the decision to move to Madrid.

‘‘AC Milan have shown an indirect interest in the player but the club have not made an official offer.

‘‘Rivaldo wants to remain in European football because economically the options outside Europe are very limited, but he understands that there are not many Spanish clubs, due to economical reasons, that can afford him.

‘‘His options are open but he loves living in Spain and if he has to go it would be a difficult decision.’’

Milan seemed a little bit more optimistic, with president Adriano Galliani stating: ‘‘I can confirm that we are currently negotiating but that is all we can say.’’