Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook has confirmed that the club are still ken to sign Ronaldinho.
The 28-year-old is set to leave Barcelona and City have been in talks with Ronaldinho’s representatives about bringing him to Eastlands.
“Although there is long way to go, we are optimistic,” said Cook.
“We will continue to do so until it is not right to bring the player to the club or he decides not to come.”
City broke their transfer record on Wednesday to sign Brazilian striker Jo from CSKA Moscow for a reported fee of £19m, and new signing backed City’s move for his compatriot.
“He’s my friend and I hope he will join me here,” said Jo. “We were on holiday together a few weeks ago and he told me there were many clubs interested in him.”
Cook is convinced that City are genuine contenders in the race to capture one of the game’s biggest names.
“We are in the hunt and have been talking to them on a regular basis,” added Cook.
“We know it is a competitive market place. There are some complexities (to a possible deal) that you don’t normally associate with signing a player.
“Any great player is welcome here as this is a growth club. We are on a journey and are not going to stop until we create a new era.”
Manager Mark Hughes is insists that City can provide Ronaldinho with the stage he needs to get back to his best.
“Perhaps in the last 18 months he has not reached his potential,” he said.
“We are offering him an opportunity that will stimulate him and enable him to get back to the level he was at before.
“I think it could be an interesting idea for him. Maybe what we are doing here would attract him more than going to an established Champions League club.
“The decision will be his, of course, as I am sure he will have many offers. Whether he can see our vision remains to be seen.
“He is a world star and if these things are going to happen they are likely to take a bit of time and we are patient.
“It is a process that is on-going. It has not slowed in any way shape or form and there is no immediate deadline.”
