Rimini midfielder Ciro Barusso has dropped a major hint he's on his way to AC Milan next season.

Milan have been in negotiations with the Serie B club in recent weeks for the Ghana midfielder, though Rimini released an official statement two weeks ago denying an agreement had been struck over a fee for the player.

Meanwhile, Barusso admitted yesterday: "My favourite player is Michael Essien, of Chelsea.

"I know that at a tactical level I still have a lot to learn.

"My dream is to become a big-name player and to play alongside famous names like Kaka, Gattuso and Pirlo."