Ronaldinho speculation mounts

Last updated : 10 June 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Press reports on Sunday suggested that Sir Bobby is prepared to offer Laurent Robert and £3million for the troublesome Brazil international midfielder.

Now the inevitable ‘sources at the club’ are being widely quoted as saying that the bid has been made, and the Evening Chronicle’s veteran reporter Alan Oliver has been telling anyone who’ll listen that the club is serious about signing the World Cup winner.

"It's quite true that Newcastle are quite keen on signing Ronaldinho," Oliver told Sky Sports News.

"They have put together a package where they would let PSG have Laurent Robert back and pay four or five million.

"What they are saying, is that Manchester United have not got the deal tied up. I think his wages are £19,000 a week and they'd have no trouble doubling that - and of course, they can offer him what he wants, which is Champions League football."

Old Trafford remains though the most likely destination for the man whose fluke goal knocked England out of the World Cup, particularly if David Beckham does leave, although Real Madrid are also reported to be interested.