Milan close in on Ronaldinho

Manchester City set to miss out on Brazilian

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 16th July 2008

ronaldinho

Ronaldinho: Milan confident

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AC Milan have claimed they are on the brink of completing a deal to sign Ronaldinho from Barcelona.

Officials of the Italian and Spanish giants have been locked in talks throughout the day as they look to reach an agreement over the Brazil international.

Barca confirmed on Monday that Manchester City had lodged a bid of £25.5million for the talented playmaker, while Milan's offer is believed to be around £14.7million.

But with Ronaldinho's preferred destination understood to be the San Siro, it looks increasingly likely that new City boss Mark Hughes will miss out.

Prepared

AC Milan lawyer Leandro Cantamessa told the club's official website: "There is a good chance that Ronaldinho's passage to Milan will become a reality.

"Only a few economic issues are left but our legal department has already prepared all the necessary documents.

"I have heard from (chief executive Adriano) Galliani and he is calm even if no one has yet put pen to paper. We are all waiting."

Barcelona board member Rafael Yuste earlier told reporters in the Catalan capital: "We are still holding talks and nothing has been concluded.

"We are relaxed because we have two offers.

"We are under no pressure. Our desire is to find a solution for Ronaldinho. Maybe in a few hours there will be no more doubts."