Italians confident of deal between £11-13m for in-demand forward

Ourprovides the best breaking news online and ourfootball fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!

By Sulmaan Ahmad | Chief Editor AC Milan are close to securing the signing of Japan 's World Cup sensation, Keisuke Honda , from CSKA Moscow can reveal.The Italian giants made an offer of £10.9m (€13m) on Thursday, to which the Russian club responded requesting an increased bid of £12.5m (€15m), and now sources from within the Rossoneri are confident of securing the Japanese star's signature imminently."We are very close to signing Honda, the clubs are very close to finding an agreement," said the source." [Milan coach Massimiliano] Allegri likes him a lot and wants to see him playing alongside [Alexandre] Pato and Ronaldinho."Honda, 24, has been the subject of widespread attention and admiration for his impressive performances for CSKA Moscow in the 2009-10 Champions League, followed by a superb World Cup campaign for Japan, in which he scored two eye-catching goals.The attacking midfielder - who is best known for his lethal left foot - has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Everton, Atletico Madrid, Deportiva La Coruna and Valencia, among others.Both clubs have refused to confirm negotiations have begun to bring the player to the San Siro, but the transfer is believed to be edging towards completion.