Manchester United's summer-long pursuit of Ronaldinho today officially came to an end when Paris St Germain agreed to sell the Brazilian World Cup-winner to Barcelona.
And, in an intriguing twist to the saga, it emerged that United offered goalkeeper Fabien Barthez in their original offer for the 23-year-old playmaker.
Barthez, who joined United three years ago for £7.8 million from Monaco, was dropped by manager Sir Alex Ferguson towards the end of last season and his career at Old Trafford has been marred by a series of gaffes.
United subsequently increased their bid for Ronaldinho as they attempted to fill the void left by the departure of England captain David Beckham to Real Madrid.
But they had become frustrated at their inability to wrap up the signing and had set a 6pm deadline for PSG to accept their latest bid today.
However, United's bid hit the rocks when Barcelona revealed earlier today they were in negotiations with Ronaldinho's brother, Roberto Assis, who is also his agent.
PSG president Francis Graille confirmed tonight: "We accepted the Barcelona offer because it was a better offer, including financially."
Asked about the initial bid from United which included Barthez, he added: "I don't wish to betray the details of the negotiations."