“He will fly in tonight to Malpensa airport at 21.30. Tomorrow he’ll undergo his medical, then talk to Roberto Mancini and sign the contract.” director Gabriele Oriali told Italia 1 television.

The Nerazzuri could make the move permanent at the end of the season if they want to.

Manager Roberto Mancini suffers from lack of midfielders especially after long-term injury of Patrick Vieira and the Portuguese midfielder seems the perfect solution.

Spanish newspaper Marca has revealed the deal three days ago but the Atletico bosses denied it completely.

Maniche joined Atletico Madrid two years ago from Dinamo Moscow for $24m