Manchester City Football Club

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

City leading Ronaldinho race

02 Jul 2008 - 08:21:39

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Manchester City are believed to be in pole position to sign Ronaldinho after reportedly making an official offer to Barcelona for the Brazil star.

City have been linked with the unsettled 28-year-old forward throughout the summer following claims from owner Thaksin Shinawatra that it would be a 'dream' to lure Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

AC Milan and Chelsea are also both believed to be interested in signing a player who Barcelona have suggested is now surplus to requirements.

City's hopes of landing Ronaldinho appeared to have been dashed following claims from his agent last week that the player preferred a move to Milan.

Ronaldinho himself also welcomed talk suggesting he could be reunited with new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge next season.

But City are reportedly the only club to have opened official talks with Barcelona with the ambitious Shinawatra desperate to seal a deal for the former world and European football of the year.

Speaking last month he signalled his intent after saying: "I am 59 next birthday, so I am not a man who can wait for many years to see my dreams come true.

"Ronaldinho is 28. He has much still to offer, he is a star.

"You need a combination of new players, existing players, quality, young and old."