After almost camping out at the San Siro for the summer the persistence of Thai tycoon Bee Taechaubol and his single-minded pursuit of AC Milan looks like it is about to pay off.

Silvio Berlusconi has announced that he has struck a deal with Bee Taechaubol that would see the Thai businessman become vice-owner of AC Milan.

The former Italian Prime Minister has been president of the club since 1986, but will soon part with 48 per cent of his club in order for Milan to grow in Asia, under the watchful eye and guidance of Bangkok based Mr Bee.

“The negotiations with Bee Taechaubol are nearly complete,” Berlusconi told La Gazzetta dello Sport a few days ago.“He is very serious about the deal and I like him. “He’ll be welcomed in with open arms and we’ll make a new Milan.“We will be signing the deal two days after my birthday, which is September 29, even though people say I’m at an age where you can’t celebrate birthdays.

“It’s a very clever move for Milan. We can gain an extra €100 million every year across Asia.”

The news came just a few hours after the AC Milan lost to rivals Inter 1-0 in the Milan derby, however the current president remains pleased with the team as well as coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Bee Taechaubol will be joining a growing group of Asian tycoons who own or have large stakes in European football clubs.