"We have had a conversation with Mark Hughes about this because we wanted to see what he felt but it would be fair to say we expect to see Jo at Manchester City," said Cook.

"Ronaldinho is one of the greatest players that has ever played.

"We want to bring the best players to our football club. It is well documented that we are well down that path, but we also know it is a very competitive landscape.

"But I would like to see him here, Mark Hughes would like to see him here and I think the fans would too."

New City boss Mark Hughes added: "There's a lot of talk about the quality of players that can come here. If they're available at the right price I will be interested."