Santos send representatives to AC Milan to negotiate Robinho move

Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2012 by Goal.com

Santos have stepped up their efforts to bring back Robinho for a third spell at Vila Belmiro, sending two high-ranking club officials in a bid to convince AC Milan to sell the player.

The 28-year-old striker began his career with the 2011 Copa Libertadores champions, and also lifted the Paulista Championship and the Copa do Brasil during a loan spell from Manchester City back in 2010.

However, he has struggled for form since moving to Milan, and speculation linking him with a return to the Peixe continues to develop in his native country.

According to Globoesporte, Santos are keen to this time tie their favourite to a permanent deal with his first club. Vice-president Odilio Rodrigues and an unnamed member of the board have been designated as ambassadors of the club, and will travel to Italy in order to try and close a deal with the Rossoneri.

The report asserts that Brazil's Olympic goalkeeper Rafael, 20, could be used as part of the transfer. Santos would present the highly-rated shot-stopper plus around €4 million to entice Milan into a sale.

As well as strengthening a Peixe attack that in recent years has had to withstand the departures of stars such as Andre, Wesley and Ze Eduardo, Santos would also look to exploit Robinho's marketing potential.

One plan reportedly already in place would be to use the Brazil international as part of a 'Three Generations' campaign highlighting the prodigious club academy: the forward would join Neymar and new starlet Victor Andrade in an exhibition of stars past and present of the institution's youth setup.