Italian press reports yesterday declared that Berlusconi is ready to pay Ronaldinho's buyout clause to take Barca out of the reckoning and negotiate directly with the former World Player of the Year.

It's been reported Ronaldinho already has agreed terms over a pre-contract with Milan some months ago - a five-year deal worth £5.75 million-a-season and also 100 per cent of his image rights.

Berlusconi had put £30 million aside to bring Andriy Shevchenko back from Chelsea, but after receiving little encouragement from Stamford Bridge, will now put that fee towards a mega bid for Ronaldinho.