The Daily Mail says Ronie spent yesterday afternoon with his agent brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira, in talks with Barcelona president Joan Laporta in a desperate attempt to secure an immediate move to Stamford Bridge.

But a lack of time ahead of last night's closure of the transfer window denied Chelsea and the Catalan club the chance to reach an agreement and the 27-year-old double World Player of the Year will now make the switch next July.

During informal discussions the two clubs were unable to agree a fee, Chelsea valuing the player at around 70million euros (£47.5million), but Barcelona demanding nearer 100m euros (£66m).

Now, it is understood, all parties accept it would be more prudent to delay for 11 months, although Ronaldinho is said to be frustrated because he was given a strong indication that Barcelona would be prepared to let him leave at the right price.

Yesterday he expressed that disappointment to friends but said he was now confident he would be a Chelsea player for the start of next season when a deal would be more attractive to the English club as he will only have two years left on his contract by then.