Newcastle United are on the verge of hijacking Ronaldinho's move to Manchester United.
Sky Sports News understands that Sir Bobby Robson has offered Paris St Germain cash - believed to be £5million - plus former winger Laurent Robert.
Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the Brazil World Cup winner's situation, although newspaper reports and Ronaldinho himself had suggested that his £9million move to Old Trafford was already done.
The St James' Park club have already brought in Lee Bowyer this summer as they prepare to overhaul United and Arsenal in the Premiership.
Ronaldinho has said he wants Champions League football next season and Robson is ready to allow PSG to appease their fans by offering former favourite Robert a return to the Parc des Princes.
"It's quite true that Newcastle are quite keen on signing Ronaldinho," Alan Oliver of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle 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."
The last time Newcastle and United went head-to-head for a player was back in 1996 when current skipper Alan Shearer snubbed Old Trafford for a return to his Tyneside roots
**** ManUre. He should be wearing balck and white next season