Milan hopeful of Ron capture

Head coach Ancelotti keen to secure 'champion'

By James Dall   Last updated: 15th July 2008

Barcelona Training Session Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho: Ancelotti admiration

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AC Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful of beating Manchester City in the race to sign Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho.

Premier League club City have lodged a £25.5million offer for the two-time Fifa World Player of the Year.

Speaking of the proposal, Camp Nou president Joan Laporta suggested that the Eastlands club were leading the way to secure Ronaldinho's signature.

However, further reports emerged on Monday evening claiming Ronaldinho's agent, and brother, Roberto de Assis had conducted positive talks with Milan general manager Adriano Galliani.

Champion

Ancelotti has yet to indicate how well placed the Serie A giants are to tying down the 28-year-old, but did admit the signing would prove a major coup ahead of the new season.

"The important thing is to have champions and Ronaldinho without a doubt is one of them," Ancelotti said.

Milan failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last term, and will instead play in the Uefa Cup in the forthcoming season.

Ancelotti concedes last campaign's fifth-placed finish was disappointing, but has insisted the club will bounce back with or without Ronaldinho.

Trademark

He said: "To be out of the Champions League is a hard blow so we will do everything to return to the competition as soon as possible.

"Quality is our trademark and it will continue to be whether Ronaldinho arrives or not.

"Our aim is as usual to win while providing a good show. This is Milan."