AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has said that talks with CSKA Moscow to secure the release of Keisuke Honda are ongoing.
The Japanese international, whose contract in Russia comes to an end in December, has already agreed a deal to join the Rossoneri in January.
Over the summer, the two clubs have been locked in negotiations over a deal which would see Honda link up with his new teammates earlier than expected.
"We are talking with CSKA Moscow for Honda," Galliani told Milan News.
"We're looking to sign him immediately rather than just on a free in January. We'll see."
When asked about reports linking Diavolo with a move for former star Kaka, who has expressed his desire to leave Real Madrid, Galliani said: "It will be really difficult to get Kaka. I'd say it is more Honda than Kaka right now – and only one of them will arrive."
CSKA have reportedly asked for €5m (£4.3m) for Honda.