Ronaldinho has agreed initial terms with AC Milan and the Serie A club will now speak to Barcelona about a deal, Milan and the player's agent have said.
The 28-year-old Brazilian has had a difficult few months at the Nou Camp because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted.
The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season.
"In general Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement," his agent and brother Roberto de Assis was quoted as saying on the Gazzetta dello Sport web site on Saturday.
Gazzetta said a deal up to 2012 worth US $12.6 million a year is in the pipeline with a few clauses to be agreed.
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said: "There is a general agreement with the player. Now a deal has to be reached with Barcelona. Give us time."
Spanish and Italian media reports have speculated about a transfer fee of between 20 and 30 million euros while some newspapers have talked about Ronaldinho buying up the rest of his contract at Barca.
Milan are fifth in Serie A and in danger of missing next year's Champions League after a poor season. They were dumped out of this year's Champions League as holders by Arsenal in the first knockout round.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have struggled to score and create goals with Brazilian Ronaldo playing just a handful of games before being ruled out long term with a knee injury.
Fellow striker Alberto Gilardino has been lacklustre and world player of the year Kaka has been far from his best.
Despite their troubles, Ancelotti has been assured of his job next term.
