Rovers rule out Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho: Blackburn link

Blackburn have denied reports that they could be ready to make an audacious bid to land AC Milan's Ronaldinho in the transfer window.

Rovers' new owners Venky's claimed on their Facebook and Twitter accounts that they had offer the 30-year-old Brazil international a two-year deal.

But director Venkatesh Rao has moved to distance the Ewood Park outfit from making an improbable swoop for the two-time World Footballer of the Year.

Ronaldinho, who has six months left on his current San Siro contract, could be on the move in January after AC Milan admitted they would be prepared to sell if the price was right.

His agent and brother Roberto de Assis earlier claimed he had been contacted by Blackburn, while Brazilian side Gremio are also planning to hold talks with the talented playmaker.

Rao has vowed that Venky's will back manager Steve Kean with 'quality' signings this month, but insisted that Ronaldinho is unlikely to be spotted at Ewood Park in the coming days.

Rumours

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: "That is not true. There is no interest at all, they are just rumours.

"We are still finalising possible signings but hopefully we can come out into the press and make things clearer in a week.

"Discussions are still going on and meetings are going on.

"Money is not the criteria at all though, we do not mind about the money.

"It is about getting the right players for Blackburn Rovers and we have enough money to do that.

"That is not a problem. We want to bring quality to Blackburn Rovers."

Flamengo

De Assis later revealed that a return to Brazil was the most likely destination for his brother, with Flamengo now emerging as favourites for Ronaldinho's signature.

"We all want him to come back to Brazil. There are several clubs interested in him and we can have a definition tomorrow," he told globoesporte.

"I never promised that Ronaldinho would move to Gremio. The possibility of a return exists, but it depends on a number of financial factors.

"Now Flamengo and Milan are close. Flamengo are willing to pay what Milan wants," Assis added to Correio do Povo.