Barca in front in Ronnie race
The Catalan club had ruled themselves out of the bidding on Wednesday, only to dramatically re-enter the race, seemingly when Manchester United's faxed offer to Paris Saint Germain was less than president Francis Graille had expected.
The angry PSG supremo's apparent determination to sell the Brazilian to Spain has ensured that United could suffer a hammer blow in their bid to replace David Beckham with a world class talent.
Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be fuming at the prospect of losing out on his priority target, and there is likely to be a concerted effort to resurrect negotiations.
Crunch talks are ongoing on Thursday, with the player now believed to be back in Paris following his South American sojourn.
"Ronaldinho has not yet signed for anybody," was all agent Roberto Assis would say of his brother's situation, when contacted by planetfootball.com.
Barca are convinced the forward wants to head for Catalunya, although how they will finance the blockbusting transfer is still unclear.
Patrick Kluivert has now been retained, and reports close to Camp Nou claiming Philippe Christanval and Joan Roman Riquelme will again be part of the package contradict previous declarations from Paris, who are not interested in the duo.
Vice-president Sandro Rossell was being cagey about the Azulgrana's chances of pulling off a major coup, which would leave United reeling.
"Today is more nearby than yesterday," commented Rossell.
"Perhaps five percent more."
Barca are bidding to agree personal terms with Ronaldinho's advisers and, if they reach an accord, it would appear that only a determined last-gasp bid from United, who are surely tiring of the situation, will save the day for Ferguson.
