Laporta avoids Ronaldinho auction with United

BARCELONA president Joan Laporta revealed yesterday he would not get involved in an auction with Manchester United to sign Ronaldinho.

Having missed out on David Beckham, Laporta is seeking star quality to strengthen the team and raise its profile.

Ronaldinho fits the bill on both counts but Laporta is becoming increasingly frustrated with the long-running transfer saga involving the Brazilian and insists the ball is now in Paris St Germain's court.