Barca want to get their own Beck with Ronaldinho

BARCELONA could exact ironic revenge on Manchester United by snapping up £10million-rated midfielder Ronaldinho from Paris St Germain.

The Spanish club are still reeling after David Beckham decided to rebuff their approach and join Real Madrid instead.

United are believed ready to step up their interest in Ronaldinho following the £25million departure of the England captain.

However Barcelona's spurned president Joan Laporta has pin-pointed the Brazilian as his next summer signing.

"It is no secret that Ronaldinho is one of the players we are looking at. He has always been on our list as have other top players. A deal is very close with Ronaldinho," said the club's press secretary Juan Jose Castillo.

United manager Alex Ferguson has a wish list of potential signings and the World Cup winner is understood to be his top target.

French duo, winger David Bellion who was at Sunderland last season, and Rennes full-back Julien Escuede could be on their way to Old Trafford.

Ferguson, however, has made no secret of the fact he needs a new striker and Harry Kewell could come into the equation now the Old Trafford boss has some new money.

Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's future remains uncertain. Paul Robinson of Leeds and Brad Friedel of Blackburn as well as America-based Tim Howard have been touted as possible replacements.

Ferguson will not be rushed into deals but will no doubt want at least one new face on board before they leave on their American tour on July 19.

A club spokesman said: "We are now looking forward to strengthening the squad. But you can't put a timescale on these things."