After Milan announced on their website that no talks had taken place, Flamengo president Kleber Leite declared he expected to meet Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani in Rio to thrash out terms over a deal for the Brazilian.

Personal sponsors Nike are also eager to see Ronaldo return to Flamengo, as are his family.

"It's a difficult negotiation, but we are not giving up," said Leite. "And in any case, he could still be signed in July. We have already prepared a contract until 2009, with an option for 2010."

Ronaldo's Dad, Nelio, also said: "He always speaks of his desire to play for Flamengo. It's a certainty that sooner or later he will."