AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed on Friday that his club have started talks with Sampdoria over a deal to sign striker Antonio Cassano in the January transfer window.

Cassano is now stuck in a contract dispute with Sampdoria and his wages have been reduced by 50 per cent as a result of the row.

He is also currently suspended following his bad behavior back in October, but looks likely to leave Sampdoria next month.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said the club want Cassano as a replacement for the injured Filippo Inzaghi, although a stumbling block could be the money Samp would owe the 28-year-old's former club Real Madrid.

Galliani was quoted by Sky Sport Italia as saying: "Cassano would be a substitute for Inzaghi although he would have completely different characteristics.

"In any case it is not a done deal as some have already stated.

"We will have to wait and see what Samp's demands are and get an agreement with the player.

"Moreover, we need to understand who will pay the millions demanded by Real Madrid, which certainly will not be paid by Milan."

Cassano has revealed on Italian television that he has accepted Milan's offer to join them next month and also held up a Rossoneri shirt to his chest.

On Thursday evening after it was ruled that the 28-year-old's contract with the Genoa-based club would not be rescinded, Sky Sport 24 reported that Cassano agreed a deal with the Diavoli that would run until until 2014.

Now Cassano himself has confirmed on the Italian television show Striscia La Notizia that a deal is in place.

He accepted the Milan shirt offered to him by reporter Mario Stafelli and admired the jersey before saying, "It's not bad, is it? It suits me."

He added, "Who would not accept an offer from Milan? They are one of the greatest teams in history. At Real Madrid it was a disaster, let's see what happens in the next few days. There are still a few details to finalize."