Santos plot Robinho coup

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has claimed the club are in talks with AC Milan over a January move for Robinho.

Robinho, 28, is believed to be keen on a move back to his former club, with Santos star Neymar also calling for his countryman to agree a deal to join him back in Brazil.

“Robinho wants to return to Brazil and for him that means returning to Santos,” Ribeiro told TV O Povo de Fortaleza.

“We have presented a written offer, though there is a difference between what the player and the club are asking for.”

Robinho made over 100 appearances for Santos before moving to Real Madrid in 2005, but despite the player’s apparent love for the club, the president was quick to concede negotiations are likely to be tough.

“It can be circumvented, but it is not a simple task,” he said.

“It is a battle that must have results by the end of this week.”