Brazil's Ronaldo Claims City Deal

The former Brazil striker Ronaldo claimed yesterday that he was close to accepting an offer to join Manchester City. The 31-year-old was released by Milan over the summer and is still working his way back to fitness after a knee injury.

"I like the project that Manchester City have presented me. They want to make the club one of the best in the world and I feel that I can help. It is the best offer I've received and it will be very interesting to play with Robinho. Me and him, together, we can score more than 50 goals."

There are suggestions that any deal would hinge on Ronaldo, whose knee problems have been persistent and who is overweight, proving his fitness to City, where his compatriot Robinho moved from Real Madrid on the final day of the transfer window this month.

Ronaldo is training in Brazil with Flamengo and any deal would most likely see the two-time world player of the year move to the City of Manchester Stadium in January. "I love Flamengo; the club has been helping me but they know that I need to rebuild my image in Europe."

City have been targeting world stars since their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group but the team's manager, Mark Hughes, has said he would not be willing to take any player who he did not believe would enhance the squad.