Soccer: Blackburn look to have been thwarted in their attempts to prise Ronaldinho away from AC Milan with reports claiming the Brazilian has opted to return to his homeland and former club Gremio.
The news comes after AC Milan denied receiving a bid for the former world player of the year, despite claims from Blackburn that they had tabled a €7.2 million bid.
Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sportclaims terms have been agreed between Milan and the Port Alegre club where the 30-year-old began his career.
Earlier, Anuradha Desai, chairman of Venky's - who took over at Ewood Park in November - claimed Rovers had made a €7.2 million bid and revealed a €22 million contract offer for the former Barcelona star.
"He is keen to play in the EPL (English Premier League) and I think that goes in our favour," Desai told BBC Radio Lancashire. "To be precise [the pay is] €7.6 million for the first year and about €8.5 million for the second and third years."
She also said the club had made attempts to sign former England captain David Beckham on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, adding that the club were "open whenever he is ready to come".
Manager Steve Kean was quick to back the move.
"I know there has been contact made by the owners to representatives of Ronaldinho but I don't know how far down the line it is and whether it will actually happen," he said. "If any Premier League manager was asked if they wanted to sign someone who has been World Player of the Year twice they would be interested.
"That is something that puts us on the map in terms of trying to bring players of that stature to the club. Everyone should look as it as a positive because if we can attract players - maybe not that individual if it doesn't happen - but players of that stature I think it has been a long time since we have been able to do that."
Desai has also confirmed the club are planning a long-term future with Kean at the helm.
Kean was surprisingly handed the club's reins for the remainder of the season following Sam Allardcye's sacking last month. Rovers have won one of his four games in charge and, despite losing 3-0 to Sunderland on New Year's Day, Blackburn's hierarchy are eager to extend his deal.
Desai is a big fan of Kean and believes he deserves a longer deal that will be "at least two to three years".
"We're making a contract for him which is going to be a full-time contract. It's not just about this season," Desai told Sky Sports News. "It's going to be a proper contract. At least two to three years. He thinks well. He has a vision. Mark my words, he thinks well. He's a good thinker. That's his biggest strength."
