Marca says Chelsea have finalised a contract with the 27-year-old - whose time at the Nou Camp looks set to becoming to an end. Roberto de Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, is working on Barca to get a release approved for the winter market.

While personal terms have been agreed, Chelsea are yet to thrash out a fee with Barca for the Brazilian. Assis will press the warning that Ronaldinho could invoke FIFA law Article 17 at the end of this season, which would see him quit for less than £13 million.

AC Milan remain in the running, but the spending power of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich - and Italy's tax laws - have the Premiership club clear favourites for Ronaldinho.