Ronaldhino keen to be Man United bound

RONALDINHO has decided he wants to leave Paris St Germain and join Manchester United, and is now waiting for the clubs to agree a deal.

The Brazilian has told his brother Roberto Assis, who acts as his agent, he is ready for the move to the Premiership.

Although the deal is not yet complete, it is the first indication from the 23-year-old that he has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.

Assis said: “Ronaldinho wants to go to Manchester United, so at the moment it’s just a question of waiting for the deal to be completed.

“PSG have an offer from Manchester United and we are waiting for a reply.”

Ronaldinho upped the ante over his proposed move by failing to return to the French capital for pre-season training yesterday after the refusal of his club to grant his extra time off following his Confederations Cup commitments last month.

Real Madrid were linked with the player but have decided not to make a bid, while Barcelona and Chelsea are the other clubs believed to be chasing him.

Ironically, Real Betis star Joaquin rejected a chance to move to the Old Trafford club according to his father and agent Aurelio Sanchez, who claimed that Deigo Forlan was being offered as part of the deal.

The right-sided midfielder, an obvious choice to replace David Beckham was one of Spain’s stars at last year’s World Cup.

“Manchester are a very large club and it is always good to see what his value is, but

it pleases him to be close to home,” said Sanchez.

Meanwhile, Italian champions Juventus said they had turned down a bid from Chelsea for the Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids.

“It is true we have received an offer from Chelsea but we refused it,” Juventus’ general director Luciano Moggi said.

“Davids is staying because he is important for the club’s future.”

Chelsea are believed to have offered 11 million for the 30-year-old Dutch international who will be out of contract next summer.

Chelsea’s new owner, Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich, has promised to strengthen the squad with central midfield his main priority.

He took control of the London club last week after agreeing to buy out Chelsea for 86 million and cover debts estimated at around 115 million.

Ambramovich has said he wants to build a Chelsea team that is capable of winning the Champions League in the next three years.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti admitted to meeting Chelsea owner Abramovich, but dismissed talk that the Russian millionaire was in northern Italy to buy striker Christian Vieri.

“I met the Chelsea owner but it was just out of courtesy and to try and establish a rapport between my club and his,” Moratti said yesterday.

“Sure, we talked about players. He asked about our best players.

“But Vieri is not for sale and the squad remains as it is.”

Italy international Vieri, who turns 30 in two days time, was top scorer in Serie A last season with 24 goals.