ATALANTA CLOSE TO COMANDINI DEAL

ATALANTA are expected to announce the signing of Milan's former Italian Under-21 international striker Gianni Comandini on Friday, after Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed talks were at an advanced stage.

Comandini only arrived at Milan last summer but has failed to make an impression with the Rossoneri, although much of his season was spent on the injury list.

The 24-year-old arrived at the Giuseppe Meazza with a tall reputation, having finished the 99-00 season as Serie B's top scorer in Vicenza`s title-winning season.

Galliani confirmed that negotiations were progressing, saying: "The discussion with Atalanta are going well."

Comandini is expected to cost Atalanta £10 million, and is likely to partner Fausto Rossini in the Bergamascan attack next season.

Atalanta are also negotiating the capture of goalkeeper Massimo Taibi from Reggina.