Ronaldinho in City talks

Man City have held informal discussions with Ronaldinho, according to Manchester City's executive director Taweesuk Jack Srisumrid. City are unlikely to land Ronaldinho, but the attempted signing of the Barcelona frontman is a signal of Thaksin Shinawatra's intent to make Man City one of the most formidable sides on the continent.

"What we will look to do in the summer is to further boost the squad, bring in top-quality, internationally recognised players," Taweesuk told The Daily Telegraph.

"Superstars would help fill the stadium and help our global branding. Primarily, we must win on the pitch - it can't be a gimmick.

"We've had discussions [with Ronaldinho] but we'll see how that pans out.

"We've looked at a host of players. Man City having discussions with superstar players used to be unimaginable, but not now.

"It won't be a galacticos strategy, but older famous names. We want to build around the team we have."

Man City are believed to be willing to pay around £20 million to land the Brazilian frontman.