Laporta avoids Ronaldinho auction with United
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.
Laporta said: "We made a major offer which is on the table at PSG and we expected an answer yesterday which did not arrive.
He accused United of "entering an auction for the player, which we will not enter". Speaking at club headquarters, Laporta said: "We have given our final offer to PSG and we're sticking with it."
Meanwhile, Spanish winger Joaquin claims he has turned down the chance to fill United's right-wing berth which was vacated when Beckham made his £25 million move to Real Madrid.
The Real Betis youngster was, according to his club's official website, approached by United but the player declined the offer, preferring to stay with his hometown team.
Joaquin insists he will stay at Betis for as long as they want him, providing they increase their contract offer.
The 21-year-old said: "Although my father takes care of contract renewals, and he has been keeping me informed, the truth is that I know that clearly I am wanted here at Betis, because I don't want to go to Manchester, to Italy or to Argentina.
"A footballer's life is short and I know that in the future I must have enough money to live with my family. If they meet my demands, I will not go elsewhere because, as I said, I've no desire to leave," he said.
Meanwhile Brazilian World Cup-winner Kleberson favours a move to Manchester United ahead of Leeds, according to his current club's media officer.
Atletico Paranaense president Mario Celso Petraglia was in England yesterday negotiating Kleberson's transfer, but Atletico media officer Carlos Manuel Guimaraes made it clear where Kleberson hopes to end up.
"Both teams could be possible, but Kleberson prefers Manchester," Guimaraes said.
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