Football: Honda says deal with AC Milan close

Japan's Keisuke Honda acknowledging to fans after a football match against Australia in the Asian final qualyfying round for the 2014 World Cup in Saitama, suburban Tokyo, on June 4, 2013. Honda says his expected transfer to Italian giants AC Mi
Japan's Keisuke Honda acknowledging to fans after a football match against Australia in the Asian final qualyfying round for the 2014 World Cup in Saitama, suburban Tokyo, on June 4, 2013. Honda says his expected transfer to Italian giants AC Milan could be finalised over the next few days, a report said on Friday. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (AFP) - Japanese international Keisuke Honda says his expected transfer to Italian giants AC Milan could be finalised over the next few days, a report said on Friday.

"I have already admitted having negotiations (with AC Milan) and it's true that they are entering the final stage," Honda said in an interview with the Nikkan Sports daily.

The 27-year-old, who was training in Tokyo on Thursday, said contract details were "being settled", according to the newspaper, adding that his current club CSKA Moscow had demanded a five million euro (S$8.4 million) transfer fee.

"As far as I have heard, Milan has mostly satisfied" the financial terms, said the midfielder, whose contract with the Russian club expires in December.

After more than three years with the reigning Russian champions, Honda has been eyeing Europe's top clubs as he looks ahead to next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Honda said senior officials from the two clubs were to meet in the coming days.

"A clear decision will be made there," he said, adding the final word rested with CSKA president Yevgeny Giner.

Honda said he would not budge on his own demands.

"There may be a solution that my pay could be cut to help finance the transfer but I don't intend to lower (my salary) even one yen," he said.

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