Brazilian World Cup star Ronaldinho has agreed on personal terms with Manchester United, many British national newspapers reported on Thursday, fuelling speculation David Beckham is set to leave Old Trafford.
The Sun newspaper claimed United chief executive Peter Kenyon was in Paris on Wednesday to agree to a $14,7-million fee for 23-year-old Ronaldinho with Paris Saint Germain.
Ronaldinho is seen by the British tabloid press as the first purchase in a summer spending jamboree by United boss Alex Ferguson and a $49,2-million transfer fee for Beckham would help fund that.
The Sun further claims Ronaldinho could be unveiled after playing in the Confederations Cup in France later this month. Ronaldinho’s long-range free-kick earned Brazil a 2-1 victory over England in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals in the Far East.
On Wednesday, Jonathan Holmes, the managing director of SFX Sports Group, who represents Beckham, did not deny United could make the decision to sell the England captain.
Beckham, on holiday in the United States, has continually said he intends to stay at the recently-crowned English Premiership champions.
The Daily Telegraph reported personal terms for Ronaldinho, still in Brazil, had been settled in principle through his brother and agent Roberto Assis.
The paper added even Beckham’s boot sponsor did not look unhappy at Beckham’s possible move to Real Madrid. Herbert Hainer, representing Adidas, was reported as saying: ”I don’t know what is coming up, but it is definitely an interesting option for him, because Real Madrid is a great team.” – Sapa-AFP