Ronaldinho deal "days away"

By Matthew Jones
June 22 2003

Manchester United are favourites from Barcelona to sign Ronaldinho, but Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen. Where will he go to? He is just days away from signing for...

Manchester United are favourites from Barcelona to sign Ronaldinho, but Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen. Where will he go to?

Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto Assis, said, "I think he is closer to England than Spain now. The transfer is just a matter of days away."

The striker also said, "It's the biggest decision of my life. It's between two clubs now and I have two fantastic offers to consider, so it is a very important thing for me to get right.

"Everybody is talking about a substitution - Ronaldinho for Beckham and for me to wear the number seven shirt. That would be a great honour of course.

"Manchester United are a great club and have great tradition and knowing they want to sign me makes me proud, but nothing has yet been signed.

"We have had very good, positive meetings with Manchester United and now we will see what happens in the next few weeks, but I will not make my decision until after the Confederations Cup."

It would be nice for him to come to St James' Park, but by the looks of things, it won't happen.

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