Manchester City believe they can lure Ronaldinho from Barcelona but they admit the transfer is complicated.

Barcelona have made it clear they will listen to offers for the Brazilian and City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is keen to make big signings.

Ronaldinho's agent claims the Italian giants Milan want to sign the former world player of the year but City's executive chairman Garry Cook has not given up.

He said: "We are in the hunt and have been talking to them on a regular basis.

"We will continue to do so until we feel it is not right to bring the player to the club or he decides not to come. We know it is a competitive market place.

"There are some complexities that you don't normally associate with signing a player."

City manager Mark Hughes hopes Ronaldinho will be tempted by an opportunity to reinvent himself, even though he would not be able to play in the Champions League.

Hughes said: "Perhaps in the last 18 months he has not reached his potential," Hughes said.

"We are offering him an opportunity that will stimulate him and enable him to get back to the level he was at before.

"I think it could be an interesting idea for him. Maybe what we are doing here would attract him more than going to an established Champions League club.

"The decision will be his, of course, as I am sure he will have many offers. Whether he can see our vision remains to be seen."

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