Source: Daily_Mail
Blackburn make shock bid for Ronaldinho
Blackburn have confirmed they are one of a number of English clubs to have made an approach for former world player of the year Ronaldinho.[LNB]Rovers' new Indian owners, Venky's, claim they have spoken with the Brazilian's agent and brother, Roberto de Assis, on several occasions as they look to secure the forward on a two-year deal.[LNB]Blackburn will have to dig deep and move fast to secure the landmark signing with Ronaldinho currently weighing up several ups from leading clubs in his homeland after being allowed to leave the AC Milan's training camp in Dubai.[LNB] Rovers revolution: Ronaldinho has left Milan's training camp in Dubai to seal transfer away from San Siro[LNB] [LNB]The playmaker's first club, Gremio, is his destination of choice but their initial offer is believed to be the least financially attractive of any Ronaldinho has received. However they are today expected to improve their terms and match the £130,000-a-week offered by Palmeiras and Flamengo.[LNB]Blackburn will have to smash their wage structure if they are to tempt the player to Lancashire, likely needing to top the financial offers of the Brazilian clubs due to tax rules in the two countries. It is also understood the South American clubs have tabled three-and-a-half year deals as opposed to Rovers' two-and-a-half year offers.[LNB]A source told the Daily Mirror: 'We are in negotiation. We have been for weeks and now we are making official the interest in him. [LNB]'We have spoken four time with Assis. The owners know that Ronaldinho was not being used properly in Milan and is dissatisfied and, above all, wants to play in England. [LNB] Samba magic: Ronaldinho was one of the finest players of the modern era[LNB]'He has played in the French, Spanish, Italian and Brazilian leagues. We want to put together a competitive team and Ronaldinho is not the only name in Brazil that interests us.[LNB]'We know Assis is more worried about Ronaldinho than money and more interested about the quality of the project presented. We have the best project.[LNB]Venky's revealed on their Facebook page that they had offered Ronaldinho £6m a year. They also posted a Tweet suggesting a deal could be done.[LNB]De Assis added: 'Blackburn have contacted us. There is also other interest in England but this is confidential.'[LNB]However, bizarrely on Monday Venky's moved to dismiss reports linking the club with a move, describing them as 'just rumours'.[LNB]Company director Venkatesh Rao has rubbished the speculation and told the Lancashire Telegraph: 'That is not true. There is no interest at all, they are just rumours.'[LNB]Ronaldinho was raised in Porto Alegre, the home of Gremio but currently spends most of his time off in Rio de Janeiro where Flamengo, probably Brazil's most popular club, are based. [LNB]On Sunday the World Cup winner had breakfast with international team-mate Adriano, another Brazilian expected to leave Europe and head home to Flamengo this summer.[LNB] Blackburn join West Ham in race for £10m-rated Hoffenheim striker BaAllardyce insists he's ready to return after being booted out by BlackburnSunderland 3 Blackburn 0: Bruce's men win easily to move up to sixthBLACKBURN ROVERS FC
