Red Devils remain Ronnie favourites
Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd met Assis on Saturday, as Sir Bobby Robson's Tynesiders launch an ambitious bid to sign the exciting Paris Saint Germain forward.
Brazil's exit from the Confederations Cup should hasten Ronaldinho's departure, and the silky South American was harshly sent off in the closing stages after having his hair pulled whilst trying to wrestle the ball from Rustu Recber's grasp.
It spelt an unhappy end to the competition for the talented former Gremio player, but he could soon realise his ambition to leave PSG and play on a bigger stage.
Although the Parc des Princes outfit would prefer to retain Ronaldinho, and sell him to Real Madrid next year, it is almost certain he would rather compete in the Champions League next term, and his brother and agent Roberto Assis has stated talks to secure a move from PSG will begin soon.
"Ronaldinho is arriving in Paris tonight after Brazil's elimination from the Confederations Cup, and as we said before we will begin negotiations once the competition was over for Brazil," Assis declared.
"We will talk with the Paris Saint Germain president tomorrow (Wednesday), and negotiations will continue until Friday.
"We want the talks to be done in a calm and formal way out of respect for the clubs involved.
"PSG want the player to stay because he is a good player, and has shown that on the pitch. Of course Ronaldinho has several important clubs interested in him - and that is very tempting, even though he has a comfortable life in Paris."
While Newcastle could offer him that opportunity, providing they get through the qualifying stages, it is understood that he would be keener to opt for a move to Old Trafford, as Assis confirmed.
"Ronaldinho would be very happy to play for Manchester United. Every good player wants to join a team like Manchester.
"We are happy that a team like them has shown an interest in Ronaldinho."
The fact that he has started wearing the number seven shirt for his country is being viewed as a sign that he is keen to replace David Beckham, and become the new focal point for United's marketing campaign across the globe through both The Red Devils and major sponsor Nike.
PSG are still trying to drum up the price for their star asset, despite Barcelona admitting defeat in their bid to capture the skilful Samba star, and are still reluctant to negotiate with United.
With president Francis Graille keen on the Real option, further developments are likely this week, with Ronaldinho expected to request a move to Manchester if the two clubs can thrash out a deal.
