Barca ace favours Milan move

City could be pipped at the post for Brazil star

Last updated: 15th July 2008

Ronaldinho wave July 8

Ronaldinho: Waves goodbye to Barca

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Conflicting reports are coming out of Spain as Ronaldinho's future continues to dominate the back pages.

Earlier on Monday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Manchester City were leading the race for the Brazilian having tabled a £25.5million offer.

Barca are keen to do business with City as Milan - Ronaldinho's other suitors - are believed to have bid a paltry £8million in comparison.

However, following talks between Ronaldinho's agent and brother Roberto de Assis and Milan general manager Adriano Galliani in a Barcelona hotel, it would appear Italy is the player's preferred destination.

De Assis insists 'things could not have gone better' in the meeting and it has even been reported the trio were celebrating a deal being struck in the hotel's swimming pool.

No hurry

Barcelona, though, are refusing to be bullied into a deal and are insistent that no accord will be concluded before they have had sufficient time to arrive at a decision.

"Ronaldinho and his agent arrived at the Camp Nou this afternoon to discuss his future with general manager Txiki Begiristain, director of football Raul Sanllehi and Coach Josep Guardiola," read an official statement on the club website.

"Both parties have agreed to give themselves a margin of two or three days to conclude the sale of the player to one of the clubs who have shown an interest in signing the Brazilian.

"If by the time this deadline has passed the deal has not been completed, the player will resume pre-season training with Barcelona."