One of the summer’s long-expected transfers, that of striker Alberto Gilardino from Parma to Milan, has been put on hold. transfer

The two clubs had been thought to be close to an agreement on a fee close to 30 million euros (£21m), the sum demanded by Parma president uido Angiolini.

But Milan boss Adriano Galliani conceded: “We agreed with Parma to wait till next Monday. Then it will be a decisive yes or no. However I am optimistic enough it will go through.”

Last week Milan agreed a deal with city rivals Internazionale to sign Italian international Christian Vieri on a free transfer.