Berlusconi, who on Monday won a third general election to again become Italy's prime minister, met up with Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis later the same evening to discuss the future of the Brazil international.

Milan's city rivals and reigning two-time Serie A champions Internazionale have emerged as rivals for Ronaldinho's signature, but Berlusconi hinted the Barca star will begin talks with his club in the near future.

"Will Ronaldinho arrive? For the time being his brother has arrived," Berlusconi told Radio Monte Carlo.

"Yesterday, at dinner, he (De Assis) brought me Ronaldinho's shirt with a very affectionate message written on it."

When asked if he held out much hope of Ronaldinho putting pen to paper on a deal with the Rossoneri, Berlusconi replied: "Very high hopes, absolutely".

Berlusconi's optimism appears to be well-founded, after De Assis revealed on Sunday that Milan have an "advantage" in the race to sign his 28-year-old brother, who is under contract at Barca until June 2010.

Speaking to French TV station Canal+, De Assis reiterated that no deal had yet been done, but said Milan remain in the driving seat of any possible deal.

"People are a lot more together on where we stand for next season, but that's not to say the deal is done," he said.

"At the moment we have a contract with Barca and we can't say the move is definite. But Milan have an advantage."