United closing in on Ronaldinho
After weeks of delicate negotiations, Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon has virtually tied up the £10million deal, with just a few minor details to be sorted out before a formal announcement is made through the Stock Exchange.
While the possibility exists for the transfer to be ratified within 24 hours, it is thought unlikely and with both Kenyon and manager Sir Alex Ferguson on holiday next week, it appears almost certain the official signing will not be completed until the end of the month.
After watching his side slide unhappily out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Real Madrid this season, Ferguson vowed to conquer Europe again, even though the campaign ended up with United regaining the Premiership trophy.
Ferguson claimed his side needed to show “more cunning”, especially in their offensive play and placed Ronaldinho at the top of his summer hit-list as the perfect foil for free-scoring Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Kenyon has now virtually carried out that task, meaning United fans can now look forward to seeing the first Brazilian playing for their club, although they will hope he will be more successful than fellow South Americans Juan Sebastian Veron and Diego Forlan, neither of whom have totally lived up to their billing.
But Ferguson is confident Ronaldinho will adapt to Premiership life after two years with Paris St Germain.
The player’s agent, his brother Roberto Assis, admitted PSG were still trying to keep hold of him and new coach Vahid Halilhodzic is adamant the Brazilian will see out the remainder of his contract, which runs until 2006.
But without the lure of Champions League combat, this seems unlikely, especially as Ronaldinho told the Sunday Herald last month of his ‘burning desire’ to join the Old Trafford outfit.
“Playing in the Premiership, and at Manchester United in particular, is more than just a dream. It’s a concrete possibility.
“If PSG and United reach an agreement and everyone is happy with it, I’ll be very proud to come. What more can I say about Manchester United? Everyone knows how powerful and respected they are in every corner of the globe.
“It would be a tremendous honour to be the first Brazilian in history to play for them.
“When I think what it would be like to work with and learn from a master like Sir Alex Ferguson, I get goose bumps.
“The idea of joining makes me dream, because they are a big, successful club and play my kind of football. I have a burning desire to be involved with a club that plays big games all the time.”
Ironically, the news of Ronaldinho’s impending arrival comes just 24 hours after David Seaman signed for neighbours City.
It was the Samba star’s match-winning effort in last summer’s World Cup quarter-final which raised huge doubts over Seaman’s ability at the top level.
With fresh doubts being raised over Harry Kewell’s intentions, major interest will now surround England skipper David Beckham, who is still on his high-profile tour of the US with his wife.
Barcelona and AC Milan have already shown a clear interest in acquiring the midfielder and while Beckham has previously stated his intention to stay at Old Trafford, he will realise his first-team prospects have only weakened as a result of Ronaldinho’s arrival and if Kewell did join too, one big name would be almost certain to leave.
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