Published On: Thu, Jan 24th, 2013

Zenit poised to capture AC Milan defender

full-back looks to be on the verge of signing for Russian Premier League side Zenit St. Petersburg.

Reports today suggest that the Rossoneri have accepted a proposal from the Russians, and Abate is now discussing personal terms with the club.

Abate’s agent, Claudio Pasqualin, had rejected the notion that the Italian international would be leaving Milan yesterday; however signalled that the situation could change if Zenit made an improved offer.

There is already a minor Italian prescence in Petersburg, and if he does complete the move,  Abate would join fellow countrymen Domenico Criscito and coach Luciano Spalletti in Russia.

The income generated from Abate’s departure should help free-up enough money for Milan to complete a deal for  Manchester City’s .

The full-back has been a key component of the Milan line-up since 2009, and has represented the club 100 times in .

Abate has represented Italy on seven occasions, which include three starts at last summer’s European Championships.

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About the Author

- There was always an Italian presence in the home during my childhood, as my parents often lodged out the spare-room to Italian students. Already a child with a keen interest in football, the obsession with calcio that came along with these visitors seemed only natural. Thankfully, I outgrew a Parma jersey I received as a gift from one such student, and traded it for a Roma shirt. The lure of Zeman's gladiator's was irresistible, as was the technique of the young maestro Francesco Totti. 15 years on, and although Totti has gone from young prodigy to legend, Zeman is back and I'm still waving the red and yellow flag.

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