Oliveira move off

The Brazilian was expected to head in the opposite direction as his compatriot Ronaldo, who signed terms with the Rossoneri from Real earlier in the week, but a FIFA rule which prevents a player appearing for three clubs in the same season scuppered the deal.

Oliveira played for Real Betis in Spain last season, before going on loan to Sao Paulo in the European off-season before joining Milan in August.

"Oliveira played for Sao Paulo and Milan and Real Madrid would be a third [team] and that's very difficult. The lawyers were working on it and it's better to avoid risks," Galliani told Radio Marca.

Since his move to the San Siro, the powerful marksman has failed to convince, and with Real desperate for strikers following the departure of Ronaldo, talks between the two clubs at the Bernabeu had progressed well.

But FIFA's ruling will now mean Oliveira has to stay with the Italian giants, at least until the end of the season, and fight for a place in Carlo Ancelotti's side with the three-time World Player of the Year, as well as Alberto Gilardino and Pippo Inzaghi.