Manchester United's interest in signing Ronaldinho was tested to the limit today as Barcelona upped the stakes in the contest to sign the midfielder, while the Old Trafford club have yet to agree either a fee or personal terms for fellow Brazilian Kleberson.
Barcelona have assumed pole position in the race to sign Ronaldinho from Paris Saint Germain with the Catalan side have offered around stg£21million, an offer "completely superior" to United's according to the French club's president Francis Graille.
Kleberson now looks the more likely Brazilian to be at Old Trafford next season after he flew into the country today for talks but it is understood that United have yet to agree a fee with his club Atletico Paranaense and a salary with the player himself, despite reports to the contrary.
Meanwhile, Juan Sebastian Veron's possible move to Chelsea looks to be off after the London side baulked at his wage demands reported to be stg£90,000 a week.
But it is Ronaldinho's future which will be concerning United most. Sir Alex Ferguson has identified him as the ideal replacement for David Beckham yet United do not want to dragged into an auction which could end up with them paying almost as much as they received for the England captain.
PSG president Graille certainly believes that Barcelona are now favourites to sign the 23-year-old World Cup-winner.
Graille said: "The offer from Manchester is not satisfactory to us. I think Barcelona will be successful at €30 million.
Asked whether the offer from Old Trafford was insufficient compared to the sum which Barca are prepared to pay, Graille said: "Yes, completely. However nothing has been done yet.
The mood in Barcelona has changed from one of defeat earlier in the week, when Ronaldinho spoke in positive terms about United, to one of an almost-tangible victory for the Catalans.
Juanho Castillo, press secretary to Barca vice-president Sandro Rosell, said: "We are still fighting to get him playing here now that we know Manchester have taken one step down in the negotiations.
"We are looking forward to having him here playing at the Nou Camp next season. His negotiators are very tough but we are optimistic we'll have him here. Just two days ago we thought our chances had gone.
"We are still now talking with Ronaldinho and Paris St Germain, but you never know what's going to happen and things could turn around again if United come in with a new offer."
Not for the first time, Ronaldinho's agent and brother Roberto Assis has set a 48-hour deadline, insisting that the transfer must be complete by this weekend or the player will stay in Brazil and not report back for pre-season training.
If they are priced out of the market for Ronaldinho then United will have to look elsewhere - and perhaps even reignite their interest in Damien Duff.
Meanwhile, Belgium defender Daniel van Buyten will not be joining United this summer. The centre-back has ended speculation about his immediate future by extending his contract at Marseille by one year until 2007.