The agent of Atalanta full-back Andrea Conti says a transfer to AC Milan is starting to take shape after he met with officials from the club.
The Italy under-21 defender has declared his desire to join Milan, but Atalanta have yet to accept an offer from their local rivals. Mario Giuffredi, the player's agent, spent Thursday negotiating both with Atalanta president Antonio Percassi and Milan senior management, and he said that the two sides are getting closer to agreeing on a deal.
"We've taken a step forward and I'm happy and optimistic," Giuffredi told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Now it is just up to the two clubs to draw up an agreement."
A bid of around €23 million is reported to have been made by Milan, who have already spent €99m this summer on Mateo Musacchi, Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez and Andre Silva.
Both clubs will be playing in the Europa League next season with Atalanta, courtesy of finishing fourth, going straight into the group stage and Milan, who finished sixth, entering in the third qualifying round next month.
Conti, 23, is currently on international duty with Italy at the European Under-21 Championship, although their participation could end on Saturday without a large win over Germany.