Ronaldinho’s agent says United move still alive

PARIS ST GERMAIN have turned down an offer from Manchester United for Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho, but the player’s agent is confident the two clubs can still negotiate an agreement.

PSG president Francis Graille revealed last night that United's undisclosed bid had been rejected after a day of talks with officials from the Premiership champions.

But, Ronaldinho's agent and brother Roberto Assis later admitted: "We are very calm, talks are ongoing.

"The player is not on the streets and he has proved his worth on the pitch so we will wait and see what happens.

"I am certain Manchester United will make another bid. It is important that we let the clubs find a possible solution."

Graille, who met with United chief executive Peter Kenyon and group managing director David Gill in Paris, has made it quite clear that the Premiership champions will have to up their offer if they are to land the 23-year-old Brazilian.

"Manchester United are interested in Ronaldinho but if they want him they will have to pay a very expensive amount," he said.

Ronaldinho, who had a disappointing Confederations Cup campaign, has been hunted by United, Real Madrid and Barcelona for weeks while Newcastle have also reportedly shown interest.

However, United have always led the chase and have plenty of money to spend after England captain David Beckham joined Primera Liga champions Real Madrid for £25m.

Meanwhile, United are set to sign the man they see as the long-term replacement for Roy Keane as Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba agreed to join the Premiership champions for £3m from French side Nantes.

The 22-year-old international - a member of Cameroon's 2002 World Cup squad and the team which reached the Confederations Cup final is set to complete his transfer today, joining Frenchman David Bellion as United's new recruits this week.

Djemba, though, will not be presented alongside 20-year-old Bellion, who signed on a free transfer from Sunderland on Tuesday, as he is to fly to Cameroon for the funeral of his Cameroonian team-mate Marc-Vivien Foe, who tragically died during the Africans' 1-0 Confederations Cup semi-final victory over Colombia last Thursday.