Ronaldinho can go for £20m, say PSG

Manchester United were told yesterday that Ronaldinho can leave Paris St Germain - but will cost more than £20m.

The French club have admitted for the first time that they will consider offers for the talented Brazilian. Ronaldinho's advisers have told club officials that their man wants to sign for United, Real Madrid or Barcelona, and they were due to meet United's chief executive Peter Kenyon last night.

The PSG coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who opposed the move at first, has now said: "Ronaldinho has another three seasons on his contract and I said that he would not leave, but our financial situation is delicate. His agents want him to leave and if the club receive a huge offer we will consider it. We could not sign anyone if he stays and his departure would allow us to buy several players."

Real are still interested in swap deals, mainly featuring Esteban Cambiasso and Santiago Solari, while Barcelona would have to go down the same route. United are also keen to tie up a deal but the price is almost double what they originally thought they would have to pay.

The French club would have to give some of the proceeds to third parties, including former clubs, and therefore need a healthy profit or the sale would not be worthwhile. PSG also need the cash to buy. They wanted the Liverpool and Everton target Mickael Essien, but he has turned them down and is set to join Lyon for £5m.

The man Ronaldinho is intended to replace at Old Trafford, David Beckham, will be unveiled by his new club Real Madrid next Wednesday. The England captain's presentation to the media will take place at the home of the Real Madrid basketball team, the 5,000-capacity Raimundo Saporta in the city.