Barca up the stakes in chase for Ronaldinho

MANCHESTER UNITED’S interest in signing Ronaldinho was tested to the limit yesterday as Barcelona upped the stakes in the contest to sign the midfielder, while the Old Trafford club have yet to agree either a fee or personal terms for fellow Brazilian Kleberson.

Barcelona have assumed pole position in the race to sign Ronaldinho from Paris Saint Germain with the Catalan side having offered around stg£21m, "completely superior" to United's offer according to the French club's president Francis Graille.

Kleberson now looks the more likely Brazilian to be at Old Trafford next season after he flew into England yesterday for talks. But it is understood that United have yet to agree a fee with his club Atletico Paranaense, nor a salary with the player himself, despite reports to the contrary.