AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato joins Corinthians

Alexandre Pato is to return to Brazil with Corinthians after a £12.2million fee was agreed for his transfer from AC Milan.

The Club World Cup champions have moved for the 23-year-old, who has been seriously targeted by both Manchester City and Chelsea in the past, after he expressed a desire to return home and end his five-year stay at San Siro.

'AC Milan can announce that Alexandre Pato has been sold outright to Sporting Club Corinthians Paulista,' read a statement on Milan's official website, which Corinthians followed by confirming that a deal had been done pending a medical.

'In the coming days Pato, who will wear the number seven shirt with 'Timao', will undergo medical tests and sign a contract for four seasons,' a club statement read.

'Corinthians have bought 100% of the economic rights of Alexandre Pato for 15million euros.'

Pato's impressive start at Milan, who he joined in 2007 from Internacional, was followed by an underwhelming period which produced only four goals last season and seven appearances in 2012/2013 for which it cannot be overlooked that injuries are also largely to blame.

The talented forward is expected to join his new team-mates for pre-season training before their away fixture at Paulista on January 20.