Vieri close to Monaco move

Monaco are close to signing Milan's Italy striker Christian Vieri, Jean-Luc Ettori, manager of the Ligue 1 club said yesterday.

"We only have to settle a few details," he told reporters.

Sources close to the club added that Vieri was expected in Monaco "in the next few hours."

Milan president Adriano Galliani confirmed on Sunday that Monaco were interested in buying Vieri during the January transfer window.

"We are talking to Monaco about him (Vieri)," he told Italy's SKY television. "Like any discussions of this sort they could go either way, but we expect to know what's happening for sure within the next two to three days."

Galliani stated that Vieri would "only leave if he finds a team willing to buy him."

"Otherwise he stays here. There's a whole queue of sides that would take him on loan," he added.