Barcelona are prepared to bring forward plans of negotiating a new contract with Ronaldinho.

Ronie's agent, Roberto de Assis, has been pushing to discuss a new deal for some months, but Barca have been putting him off. However, with reports in the press that Ronaldinho would consider invoking FIFA's Article 17 law and buy his way out of the club at the end of this season, Barca are now prepared to consider negotiations over a new contract extension.

A source told Ona FM this morning: "As vice-president Marc Ingla said, the idea is that Ronaldinho is with us for many years. For now, we want Ronaldinho to return to be the great player that he is and help the team to win their games."

It's mooted talks could open during the Spanish Liga recess.