AC Milan will officially bid for Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Ronaldo if they reach the group stages of the Champions League.

According to Monday's Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan officials will fly directly to Madrid from Serbia to start negotiations for the 29-year-old former Inter Milan forward if the club overcome Red Star Belgrade in Tuesday's third round qualifier.

Milan, who have been allowed to participate in European competition despite being found guilty last month of match-fixing, lead the Serbs 1-0 after the first leg at the San Siro a fortnight ago.

The Gazzetta reports that the 10 million euro (13 million dollar) income that Milan will receive if they qualify for the Champions League's first phase will help finance the move for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan four years ago,was a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 and 2002.

Ronaldo has won three FIFA World Player of the Year award three times, in 1996, 1997 and 2002.

Editor: Donald