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Manchester City hold talks with Barca over Ronaldinho deal

22/04/2008

Manchester City director Taweesuk Jack Srisumrid claims he has held talks with Barcelona over a possible deal for highly-rated playmaker Ronaldinho.

The former world player of the year looks set to leave the Nou Camp this summer after falling out of favour with the club's management, due to a full season blighted by injury and poor form.

It had looked as if a move to Serie A, most likely to join AC Milan, was the preferred option of the Brazilian.

But rumours in Italy suggest negotiations over a move to the San Siro may have stalled and Taweesuk believes that, despite reports Ronaldinho snubbed a move to Chelsea, he may be able to tempt the player to Eastlands.

"We've had discussions [with Ronaldinho] but we'll see how that pans out," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"We've looked at a host of players. Manchester City having discussions with superstar players used to be unimaginable, but not now.

"It won't be a galacticos strategy, but older famous names. We want to build around the team we have."

Ronaldinho's value in the current transfer market is difficult to gauge, although some estimates have put his price as high as £50 million because of the revenue that would be generated simply by having him sign for a team.

However, Taweesuk says on-field considerations would be the deciding factor in bringing in players during the closed season, rather than signing big-name players who would not be able to deliver the goods.

"What we will look to do in the summer is to further boost the squad, bring in top-quality, internationally-recognised players," the City director continued.

"Superstars would help fill the stadium and help our global branding [but] primarily we must win on the pitch - it can't be a gimmick."