More on Ronaldinho..
Barcelona have admitted Manchester United are favourites to sign Brazilian striker Ronaldinho, BBC Sport can confirm.
United have emerged in pole position to sign the 24-year-old from Paris St Germain despite interest from Chelsea, and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
It is thought that the Premiership champions have offered a £19m package to the French club, with £15m of that paid up front and the rest dependent on United's success on the field.
"I have been told that Manchester United have made a higher offer," Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell told this website.
"We have two advantages. The city of Barcelona and the magnificence of the club.
"We are asking players to come only if they are committed to the club. If it is only about money we would prefer him to go to United.
"He can make money in Manchester, but if he understands what it means to play for Barcelona and a country like Catalonia then he is more than welcome.
"We will not match United's personal terms. It's about the player's commitment, it's not about money. Maybe we are too romantic."
The Old Trafford club declined to make any formal comment about Ronaldinho on Friday when contacted by this website.
Stock market rules dictate that United cannot reveal any details of a transfer which might affect the club's share price.
Officials at Old Trafford are keen to clinch the deal before the club embark on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will visit Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia during their 16-day tour, which takes in matches against Celtic, Mexican outfit Club America, Juventus and Barcelona.
The player's agent, Roberto Assis, claimed that the Brazilian is determined to play for Manchester United, where he would be guaranteed Champions League football next season.
"Ronaldinho wants to go to Manchester United, so at the moment it's just a question of waiting for the deal to be completed," he said.
Paris St Germain chairman Francis Graille said on Thursday that the club had still not received a written bid from United for Ronaldinho.
Meanwhile, the Parisian club plan to fine Ronaldinho for failing to turn up for pre-season training.
The striker was set to re-join his team-mates on 10 July following a two-week holiday but he has remained in Brazil while his future is settled.
The statement read: "He is not yet here. He will, therefore, be punished. His attitude shows a lack of respect for PSG." |