The 27-year-old had his contract at the San Siro terminated last Friday after he announced he was taking a leave of absence as he had "lost the joy of playing".

But he now appears set to resume his career with Flamengo, the club where he started out as a player.

President Dumbrosck told GloboEsporte.com: "The situation has been sorted out. We have found a sponsor that will pay most of Adriano's wages.

"They will use the player when it is appropriate for marketing, but they will not appear on our kit."

Local reports suggest Adriano, who last year spent six months on loan at another Brazilian side Sao Paulo will sign a contract and be unveiled after the second leg of the Campeonato Carioca final against Botafogo on Sunday.

But club vice-president Kleber Leite was more cautious.

He told www.GazetaEsportiva.net: "We are working on and discussing this. This is a matter to be sorted out between May 8 and 10.

"In football, you can announce a signing only when the papers are signed. Some parts are still to be finalised."