Ronaldinho linked with Inter

Yesterday Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho (28) was twice linked with Italian top club Inter Milan, without being very clear where the rumours came from and with no confirmation to be found.

First, Catalan sports paper Sport reported that "some Italian media" claimed that Inter was ready to make an offer for the Brazilian international, given the tense relations between Ronaldinho and Barcelona. Inter would already have contacted Barcelona through player's agent Ernesto Bronzetti. Barcelona would have asked for more time saying "This is not the time", suggesting that the negotiations could be launched once the season has ended.

Later, football site Goal reported that "sources in Italy" claimed that Inter president Massimo Moratti and sports supplier Nike are intensifying their efforts to transfer Ronaldinho. In the beginning of next week a meeting between Inter officials, Nike representatives and the agent of the player would be held. Inter would be ready to pay 60 million euro (°) for Ronaldinho, although not wanting to include Brazilian goalkeeper Júlio César (28), estimated at 30 million euro (°°), in the deal, like Barcelona has been asking. Barcelona would also still be interested in Inter central defender Marco Materazzi (34).