AC Milan could be playing in a new 42,000-seater stadium by 2020 after plans to leave the San Siro reportedly moved a step closer to becoming reality.
La Gazzetta dello Sport said former trade fair grounds had been identified as a suitable site and an offer made to the current owners, Fondazione Fiera Milano, with a favourable response expected.
Fondazione Fiera Milano will announce the identity of their preferred bidder on Jan. 15 and, should all go according to plan for the club, work could begin in 2016 with the new ground -- less than a mile from their current one -- completed by 2020.
The project has been made possible by Milan's recently-agreed sponsorship agreement with Emirates, who could secure naming rights for the new venue.
#INSERT type:image caption:AC Milan could be leaving the San Siro for a new stadium. END#
The current plans are for a 42,000-seat ground with the fans closer to the pitch than at the San Siro, partially modelled on the successful Juventus Stadium, which was completed in 2011.
Local construction rules mean the stadium will have to be sunk 15 metres into the ground to ensure its height does not exceed that of the surrounding tower blocks, which include Milan's new club headquarters.
Both Milan and Inter have expressed an interest in leaving the San Siro, where both are tenants, because they feel it has become unsuited to contemporary requirements.
If Milan's move goes ahead, Inter could buy and remodel the San Siro, which will stage the 2016 Champions League final.