Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, has told Setanta that while Manchester City are leading the race for the Barcelona forward......
Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, has told Setanta that while Manchester City are leading the race for the Barcelona forward, there are currently no new developments...
AC Milan's interest in the striker is long-standing, but De Assis admits that at this stage it could be a lost cause.
But with Manchester City having confirmed Mark Hughes as manager, moneyman Thaksin Shinawatra may work towards a move for Ronnie shortly.
“They [City] have been one of the most interested clubs and I attended meetings with them,” De Assis said.
“But my brother’s transfer is far from easy because they have to agree with many parts and we are looking for the best sport option for him.
“The best options are in England and Italy but we cannot close any door.
“There has not been any important news about Ronaldinho’s future in the last few days.
“We are in touch with clubs and Barcelona are aware of it, but negotiations are stalling.”
'Dinho is set for a quiet summer in Porto Alegre as he recovers from his injury.
sigombak
Contrary to earlier reports that Valencia valued their star David Villa at €40 million, the Daily Mail reports that he could leave the club for as little as £17 million...
The Spanish international is being watched by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with Arsenal - a club he singled out for praise last month - also outside contenders for his signature.
Despite winning the Copa del Rey this season, Valencia are in complete disarray following their group stage elimination from the Champions League and near-relegation in La Liga and will have to sell at least one of their big name stars in order to stay afloat and indeed rebuild for the future.
The striker has insisted that he will not decide on his future until after Euro 2008, and should this prove to be the case, a good campaign may well see £17 million rise to much more, though it is highly unlikely Valencia will get anything in the region of the €40 million they are hopeful of netting for the ex-Real Zaragoza man.
Real Madrid are thought to be at the head of the queue for the 26-year-old, with Chelsea close behind and Tottenham perhaps slightly out of their financial weight class.
Fernando Montabon, Goal.com
The club are still in the process of finding a replacement for manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who they parted company with yesterday, although Blackburn Rovers coach Mark Hughes is expected to be confirmed in the Eastlands dug-out within the next 48 hours.
City slicker: but could Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho really be turning out at Eastlands?
However, the managerial vacuum at the club has not stopped owner Thaksin Shinawatra from pressing forward with his plans to lure the former two-time Fifa World Player of the Year to the City of Manchester stadium for the start of next season, regardless of who will be in charge at the club.
Sources close to Thaksin say that members of City's Thai board are due to fly out to the player's home city of Porto Alegre in Brazil to meet with him face to face this weekend.
Should the club also manage to the secure the services of CSKA Moscow's £20 million-rated Brazilian forward Jo, then whoever does eventually take charge at Eastlands could have an explosive all-Brazilian front line at his disposal to kick off the new Premier League season.
In recent months Ronaldinho, 28, has reportedly had a tour of the City of Manchester stadium and it's facilities, while his brother and agent Roberto De Assis has also held a series of meetings with Thaksin's right-hand man, Pairoj Piempongsant, to discuss the potential transfer.
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Meanwhile, talks have been held with the Brazil international's main sponsors Nike, as well as with other potential investors who would help fund the player's massive wage demands, with Ronaldindo said to want £200,000 per week, a wage that would make him the world's highest-paid footballer.
By Richard Morgan
Football
Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Manchester United next season, despite the predatory advances of Real Madrid…
The Portuguese winger is yet to commit his future to United following a landmark season, in which he scored an incredible 42 goals while collecting winner’s medals for the Premier League and Champions League.
Los Merengues have relentlessly and publicly pursued the 23-year-old over the past month or so, much to the chagrin of everyone at Old Trafford.
But Ferguson is used to Madrid’s media mind-games, and is confident that Ronaldo will stay with the Red Devils for many years to come.
“I’m very confident about that,” said Ferguson. “It’s a game Real play all the time.
“In the past they’ve done it with David Beckham, they’ve done it with Van Nistelrooy, they’ve done it with my fitness coach last summer — so we’re used to it.
“I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year. The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.
“We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so — he’s the best player in the world.”
Mike Maguire
In perhaps one of the most ironic twists in this dramatic transfer saga, former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at United despite overtures from the Spanish capital...
Beckham, now of Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy, moved from Manchester United to Madrid in 2003 after something of a falling out between he and manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo was bought from Sporting Lisbon that same summer and given Beckham's number seven - formerly belonging to King Eric Cantona and a host of other United legends.
While Beckham could not emulate his United success with los Merengues, Ronaldo has, after a few years of bedding in, grown to be one of if not the best player in the world, sealing that status with a goal in United's Champions League win last month in Moscow, as part of a double with the club's second successive Premier League.
Beckham has urged Ronaldo to stay with the Red Devils insisting that, unlike himself, the Portuguese is still very much at the beginning of his United career, despite having been there for five years.
"I believe he's at the right club and a club he should stay at because as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," explained Beckham.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him. As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there but who knows?
"It's none of my business. All I'm going to say to him is congratulations on an amazing season. I'm sure he'll be crowned world player of the year and he deserves it."
Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com
AC Milan have signed Italy international defender Gianluca Zambrotta from Barcelona, the Serie A club announced on Sunday.
Zambrotta has been a long-term target for former European champions AC Milan.
Milan did not release financial details, but Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the former European champions paid $14 million for Zambrotta and will pay another $3.1 million if they finish in the top three in Serie A next season.
Milan finished fifth in Serie A and had to settle for a UEFA Cup place -- and lost in the first round of the knockout stages to Arsenal in their unsuccessful defense of the Champions League last season.
Zambrotta, 31, joined Barcelona from Juventus after Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph. He had spent seven-years at Juve who were relegated for their part in a match fixing scandal.
The defender is key member of the Italy team that will play in the European Championship this month in Switzerland and Austria and has been a target for Milan for some time.
Milan needed a defender after Brazilian fullbacks Cafu and Serginho left at the end of the campaign while veteran Paolo Maldini is also yet to sign a new deal for what will be his final season.
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini was Milan's first signing for next season and several more deals are expected this summer.(CNN) --
Milan have finally captured Barcelona defender Gianluca Zambrotta after reaching a deal with the Blaugrana on Saturday night.
The club have announced the news following months of speculation linking the player with a move back to Italy.
Zambrotta is believed to have arrived on a three year deal from the Camp Nou side and reports in Italy claim Milan paid €8.5m for him. He will earn around €4m per season.
A statement on the club’s official website reads:
“It’s now official. Gianluca Zambrotta is now a Milan player.
“The defender is about to play in the European Championship with Italy and he leaves Barcelona to strengthen the Milan defence.”
Only hours ago, Galliani hinted that his side needed someone like Zambro and his wish has been granted. Zambrotta has always stated his desire to play for the Rossoneri in the past and he has given up Champions League football next season in order to return to Italy.
He will now be looking to partner former Azzurri team mate Alessandro Nesta in defence.
The Rossoneri have, so far, strengthened their midfield and their defence. All they need now is a goalkeeper and a decent striker.
Salvatore Landolina
Manchester United hot-shot Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that the final decision over his future will be announced by Tuesday...
The Portuguese ace has been tipped for a move to Real Madrid, with Manchester United apparently unwilling to off-load their star, who scored 42 goals in all competitions this season, despite big-money approaches from the Spanish club.
And Ronaldo, who is reported to be interested in a move to Santiago Bernabéu, has ensured that his future will be decided next week.
"Let's see, I hope there will be news soon. In two or three days I will announce my decision," he said after the game against Georgia.
On Portugal's display against Georgia, Ronaldo, who played during the first-half, said that he was happy with the 2-0 win and with his own level of play.
"I felt fine in the game, from now on I only have to make maintenance. I have realized that my level won't drop, just like it won't raise.
"I will be in good form in Euro, and I really want to make a good tournament," he added.
Luís Mira
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti knows that he cannot have too many new world class players, but is at least hoping that the club can allow him to sign two important ones in the coming months.
Spalletti is already thinking about being more competitive next season but insists that Roma do not need a number of signings.
"We need two players, not six," explained the former Udinese coach. "Obviously if someone leaves, then we would need to replace him, but costs still need to be evaluated.
Zambrotta And Eto'o - Dream Buys
Asked which players he would pick if he could have any two, he responded: “I would choose Samuel Eto’o and Gianluca Zambrotta, if I could have anyone.
"Conti and Prade try to please me. They know we have a great core of players, and just need a couple of world class ones to perfect it.
"Mancini? To have a good relationship with someone doesn’t necessarily mean coming to an agreement with that person," he said, when asked about his start winger's future.
“It just means that you are in talks and you are moving things forward. This has happened with Mancini, but also with several other players who had good seasons.”
Aquiani, Doni and De Rossi
Alberto Aquilani is set to spurn the advances of Arsenal and stay put, while Alexander Doni has decided to pen a new deal. “He has said the right things,” Spalletti said of Aquilani.
“He was the only person I phoned at Coverciano.
“I spoke to him on Monday evening and he said exactly what he said to the press to me.”
Spalletti also spoke of Daniele De Rossi's future.
“There won’t be any problems because the club know the player that he is,” he insisted. “He has shown his attachment to the shirt on lots of occasions and will remain linked to this project.”
Glenn Debattista
Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez has planted a seed of doubt regarding his future at the club, revealing he dreams of playing in Spain…
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to sign the Argentine international on a permanent deal, as he is currently on-loan from international investors’ group Media Sports Investment.
The former Corinthians star was strongly linked with a move to the continent last summer before joining the Red Devils from West Ham, having earned interest from the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Los Merengues are currently hot on the heels of United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has yet to definitively commit his future to the current English and European champions.
And now Tevez has thrown a spanner in the works by admitting he hopes to play in La Liga, although he insisted he is content at Old Trafford for the time being.
“Maybe one day I’ll play in the Spanish league but there’s a long way to go,” said the 24-year-old.
“At the moment I am happy here. I know many South Americans prefer to play in Italy or Spain when they move to Europe.
“But I’m happy here. It’s the best league in the world.”
Mike Maguire
Christian Chivu’s agent, Giovanni Becali, believes his client will remain at Inter but he has not ruled out a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
Reports in Italy have suggested that Chivu’s future at Inter is looking bleak with the imminent arrival of former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese tactician is an admirer of Chivu but he is likely to try and sign his beloved Riccardo Carvalho from Chelsea. This could cause problems for the Romanian defender and there is a possibility that he may leave San Siro.
“Chivu is a player which Mourinho likes a lot and so I think that the Nerazzurri wouldn’t want to deprive themselves of him,” Becali told Teleradistereo.
“However, in football, you can never say never and if Barcelona put down a €20m offer then we would open talks with them.
“But, as I said before, Chivu has just won the league and he enjoyed a great season with Inter and so it’s unlikely he will leave.
“I am good friends with Barcelona directors and a couple of days ago I was involved in a football match with Guardiola but we didn’t talk about Chivu.”
The Romanian international signed from Roma last year in a €16m deal and Barcelona would have to stump up more than this if they are to have a chance of luring him to Camp Nou.
There are fears that Mourinho will off-load several players when he arrives and Chivu could be one of them. He may even propose a Chivu - Carvalho swap deal with Chelsea.
Salvatore Landolina
Barcelona are said to have been interested in Juventus striker David Trezeguet - and in fact, according to an agent, they still are...
Agent Antonio Caliendo believes that Trezeguet could be making his way to Catalunya this summer as a replacement for the possibly-exit-bound Samuel Eto'o.
'Trez' is apparently near the top of Barcelona's shopping list due to the fact that they've been watching him closely for several seasons.
Speaking to French sports daily L'Equipe, Caliendo says, "Barcelona are interested in Trezeguet, and not for the first time.
"They've held such an interest in David for four seasons now.
"Things are uncertain in the attack at Barça, particularly with Eto'o. There may be changes."
Despite hitting 20 league goals for the Old Lady last season, Trezeguet was left out of the Euro 2008-bound France squad by manager Raymond Domenech.
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
Napoli were offered more than they bargained for when Real Madrid said that they would only discuss a move for Fabio Cannavaro and Antonio Cassano if Javier Saviola was included in any deal.
Los Merengues are keen to off-load the Argentinian striker after he proved to be a flop during his first season at the Bernabéu since moving from Barcelona on a free transfer last summer.
With a tally of only three goals and two completed games for Madrid, Saviola is now seen as surplus to requirements not least because of his annual salary of €5m.
While Napoli are keen to take Cannavaro back and try and persuade Cassano to join them, a deal could be pushed through if they consider taking the unexpected third party.
Cassano has flourished during his year on loan at Sampdoria and has been rewarded with a place in Italy's Euro 2008 squad, but Madrid have no intention of taking him back.
Saviola himself is not keen to leave Madrid, but has admitted that if it is made clear that he is no longer required then he will consider listening to other clubs.
After being left out of Argentina's recent squads by coach Alfio Basile, the striker now recognises that if he stays then he could miss out on the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.
Madrid's sporting director, Pedja Mijatovic, would rather see Cassano go to Napoli rather than see him join Sampdoria as a stepping stone to then be sold on immediately to either Inter or Juventus.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
AC Milan have joined rivals Inter in the quest to prise Samuel Eto'o away from Barcelona and believe that signing the striker would be more important than capturing Ronaldinho.
The surprising move could see the Rossoneri make an enquiry about the Cameroonian goalscorer's asking price, which is believed to be currently in the region of €35m.
Eto'o has stated that he is not keen on leaving Camp Nou this summer, but may reconsider if he is told by the Catalan club that is no longer wanted.
Barça would only take such a big decision if incoming coach Pep Guardiola decided that he needed the money to finance a move for a striker that he prefers.
Milan appear keen to see if there is a possibility of signing Eto'o, but general manager Ariedo Braida admits that it will not be easy.
"We need Ronnie less than Eto'o," he said. "Eto'o is a great player, but it won't be easy because I suspect we'll have to pay a lot of money. Anyway, everything is possible in soccer."
Contacts between the clubs are good after lengthy negotiations over a move for Ronaldinho and current talks that look set to conclude with Gianluca Zambrotta moving to the San Siro.
Eto'o was said to be the target for English side Tottenham Hotspur, but amid all the media reports Barça denied any bid and Spurs said that they were not considering making one.
Ronaldinho looked all set for a move to Italy before it was revealed that Milan felt that the Blaugrana's asking price was too high and Guardiola may now attempt the Brazilian to stay.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
Cristiano Ronaldo has dampened speculation that he is considering leaving the European champions by telling Portuguese journalists that his ‘head is in Manchester.
The subject of persistent rumours linking him with Real Madrid - mostly fuelled and fanned by the Spanish media, Cristiano Ronaldo himself has restated that his is happy at Manchester United and "would love to continue" his career at Old Trafford.
Portuguese winger Ronaldo, 23, sent the spevculation into overdrive recently by stating that he would make a decision on his future shortly.
In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico, he has confirmed that he would like to play in Spain one day but, that he is currently satisfied with life in England.
"There is nothing certain at the moment," Ronaldo said. "The press always make stories about interest from other teams, not only from Madrid, also from Barcelona. On one hand it's good and means that they know your value as a player and think you can be a good reinforcement for other teams.
"But my head is in Manchester because it is the club that, at the moment, puts me in the best condition and that I'm happy at.
"Now, as I have said many times, only God knows the future.
"I have never hid from anyone that I would like to play in Spain one day. It's a dream, but sometimes dreams don't happen.
"I can guarantee that I am happy at Manchester United and that I would love to continue."
Ronaldo has been at United for five years, and last season scored a remarkable 42 goals, as well as domestic and European medals and a host of individual accolades.
But he paid tribute to the United managemen team of Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz.
"He [Ferguson] is spectacular," enthused Ronaldo. "He is a coach with a lot of experience who has helped me a lot.
"I've been with him for five years and I barely know him but he is a very experienced coach and always helps me and that's what's important.
"But I have also been supported by Carlos Queiroz, who is also doing some spectacular work.
"He has helped me a lot and he has a fundamental role.
"It is him who leads the training sessions, he is there every day with the players and he is an excellent professional.
"He's a five-star man, as a coach and as a person."
Mark Hinton, Goal.com
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has once again increased speculation over his future at Old Trafford after claiming that his dream is to play for Real Madrid...
The Portuguese ace has been linked with a move to the Spanish outfit for quite some time now, with the Real Madrid president, Ramón Calderón, claiming that he would be very delighted to bring in the former Sporting player to his squad.
The 23-year-old stated yesterday that, despite Real Madrid's reported interest, he had not received an offer from the Spanish capital club. He further added that updated news over his future would be released in just a couple of weeks.
However, Ronaldo has now made his intentions crystal clear after admitting that he is eyeing a move to Santiago Bernabéu.
"I have a dream to play for Madrid. You also have dreams, no? Well, this is my dream," he stated to Portuguese television.
Contract Speculation
However, he also offered a somewhat veiled commitment to the Old Trafford side.
He continued, "My contract is with Manchester United and is with them that I must talk.
"My deal could have some additions to it in the next two weeks, but I've signed nothing with Madrid."
In this way he harked back to his two week deadline of sorting out his future, while also thoroughly denying reports that he had already secured an 'under-the-table' deal.
Robinho's representative, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed yesterday that Manchester United would only allow Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford if someone from Real Madrid that plays in the same position, namely Robinho, was to make a move in the opposite direction.
Calderón is now aware of Ronaldo's interest and should intensify negotiations with the British club about a summer transfer.
Steve Michaels/goal.com
Milan general manager Adriano Galliani was in Spain on Friday evening to dine out with president Joan Laporta at the Hotel Majestic in Barcelona, confirming the speculation that they spoke about two possible transfers.
At the end of the dinner with Laporta, Galliani confirmed to the Spanish reporters that the two discussed the possibility of the Rossoneri signing Gianluca Zambrotta and Ronaldinho from the Blaugrana, even though the negotiations have yet to start in earnest.
"It was just a preliminary evening of discussion - nothing has been concluded," declared the general on his way out of the hotel.
"We spoke about Zambrotta and Ronaldinho, but tomorrow I will return to Milan," he continued.
Galliani was then asked by the Spanish journalists if they discussed the transfer of Samuel Eto'o, but his response was a negative one.
At this point, Zambrotta seems like a very probable purchase, whereas Ronaldinho’s future will depend a lot on the asking price of Barcelona.
Rafael Marquez, another alleged Milan target, appeared not to have been on the agenda.
Glenn Debattista/goal.com
One by one Brazilian palyer out from elite club. Last year, Ronaldo gone out from Santiago Bernabeu. May Ronaldinho go out from barcelona's palyers??? Joan Laporta Barcelona Precident Monday (19/5) say’s Ronaldinho to out from Nou Camp. It for to carier Ronaldinho. Dinho need new club to performance. So....??
Finaly Klasemen Liga Primera La Liga Espanola 2007-2008
Deportivo Coruna 0 Villarreal 2
Getafe 1 Real Betis 1
Racing Santander 1 Osasuna 0
Espanyol 1 Almeria 3
Real Mallorca 3 Real Zaragoza 2
Real Madrid 5 Levante 2
Recreativo Huelva 1 Real Valladolid 1
Sevilla 4 Athletic Bilbao 1
Valencia 3 Atletico Madrid 1
Real Murcia 3 Barcelona 5
Klasemen
1 Real Madrid 38 27 4 7 84 36 85
2 Villarreal 38 24 5 9 63 40 77
-------------------------
3 Barcelona 38 19 10 9 76 43 67
4 Atletico Madrid 38 19 7 12 66 47 64
-------------------------
5 Sevilla 38 20 4 14 75 49 64
6 Racing Santander 38 17 9 12 42 41 60
-------------------------
7 Real Mallorca 38 15 14 9 69 54 59
8 Almeria 38 14 10 14 42 45 52
9 Deportivo Coruna 38 15 7 16 46 47 52
10 Valencia 38 15 6 17 48 62 51
11 Athletic Bilbao 38 13 11 14 40 43 50
12 Espanyol 38 13 9 16 43 53 48
13 Real Betis 38 12 11 15 45 51 47
14 Getafe 38 12 11 15 44 48 47
15 Real Valladolid 38 11 12 15 42 57 45
16 Recreativo Huelva 38 11 11 16 40 60 44
17 Osasuna 38 12 7 19 37 44 43
-------------------------
18 Real Zaragoza 38 10 12 16 50 61 42
19 Real Murcia 38 7 9 22 36 65 30
20 Levante 38 7 5 26 33 75 26
