Milan’s vice-president Adriano Galliani has reiterated his hope that Andrei Shevchenko will stay at the club, as the player’s self-imposed deadline about his future approaches.

Shevchenko, aware that Chelsea have expressed an interest in signing him, is expected to meet with Rossoneri officials on Thursday to announce his future intentions.

Milan have offered to extend the player’s contract by a further two years until 2011 and Galliani admits he is hopeful of a positive response from the 28-year-old.

“My hope and Milan’s one is that he will stay,” said Galliani. “I’ll see him on Thursday.”