Real Madrid Rule Out Ronaldinho Move

Florentino Perez has confirmed that Ronaldinho will not join Real Madrid for the start of the new season, but has hinted that he may join the Spanish champions in 12 months time.

But the news that Madrid have no space for the Brazilian star will open the way for Barcelona and Manchester United to enter the final straight in the negotiations.

Madrid's decision not to add Ronaldinho to their swollen ranks is not a financial one, but is down to the simple fact that they already have their quota of non-EU players.

"The transfer of Ronaldinho to Real Madrid is not possible this year," Perez explained. "But next year it would be."

"At the moment we have three non-EU playes here and so we cannot bring in another."

Several reports in Spain suggest that Madrid are negotiating a deal with the player's current club, Paris Saint Germain, to keep him in France for another season before he switches to the Bernabeu.

Such an agreement may suit his club, but it may not suit Ronaldinho, who is said to want to find new employers for the start of next term.