Milan close in on Barca's Keita

Talks between Seydou Keita and Serie A giants AC Milan are advancing on a possible agreement that could relocate the Mali international any time soon to San Siro from Barcelona where his playing time has diminished considerably.

According to many sources - MilanNews, Sport, Gazzetta dello Sport – the 32-year-old defensive midfielder and the Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani have straightened out issues pertaining to contract duration and salary.

Keita, who was named Mali footballer of the year a day ago and third best African player last week, will likely play his next three seasons at Milan, according to the reports.

However, he will likely be pitted against top and in form midfielders Massimo Ambrosini, Alberto Aquilani, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mathieu Flamini, Clarence Seedorf, Antonio Nocerino, Mark van Bommel as well as Gennaro Gattuso for a spot in the first team squad.

Departing Camp Nou for a competitive and prestigious Serie A seems far from being a career nosedive but rather a chance for a comeback.

Keita will join the Malian Eagles for the 2012 African Cup of Nations debuting on January 21 in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.