Hughes And J Hopeful Of Landing Ronaldinho

The two-time World Player of the Year fell out of fitness and form at Barcelona and is thought to be surplus to requirements at the Catalan club as they look to usher in a new era and chase silverware.

The Brazilian ace is thought to be wanted by Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City. The Italian giants are still concerned regarding the asking price, while Chelsea are thought to prefer Ronaldinho's compatriot Robinho of Real Madrid. There are rumours that the 2002 World Cup winner may even stay at Camp Nou, but Manchester City look very much serious contenders for his signature.

That being said, many have dismissed the chances of City, who will go through qualification to scrape into the UEFA Cup via the Fair Play League, will be able to land one of football's biggest stars.

Hughes, however, remains hopeful: "It's a process that's ongoing. We're still pursuing that possibility.

"He's a huge world star, if these thing are going to happen they're likely to take a little bit of time. We're patient enough, but thinks are still moving forward, I'm sure."

He added that he is not concerned by quotes from the superstar intimating that he wishes to link up with fellow Brazilian Gaucho, new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"You have to take those quotes with a little pinch of salt until you actually hear them from the guy himself," said Hughes, who himself was thought to be a candidate for the Blues' hotseat, having been a player at the club in the 1990s.

"In the discussions that [Ronaldinho]'s had with the club, I think he has been very positive about the idea of coming here, but it's a process that's still ongoing."

Hughes believes he can get the player back to his best: "He's an outstanding football player. Obviously, he's at a frustrating part of his career. I'm sure he would suggest in the last 18 months or so, he hasn't reached the potential that he's capable of.

"Maybe the situation he found himself in didn't allow him to be the best he could be. We're offering him an opportunity that we feel will stimulate him and allow him to get back to the level that he was at."

Jô was reluctant to say too much regarding the issue, but did insist he is hopeful of a deal being successful so he can link up with his fellow countryman and friend at club level.

"I can't answer that question, the people can answer are the people who are dealing with that matter," said the 21-year-old. "But he is my personal friend, and I hope that happens."

Hughes also gave an update on the contractual situation regarding key players Richard Dunne and Joe Hart.

"The situation with Richard I think is as good as done," he revealed. "I'm delighted with that, because he's a really important player for us.

"It was one of my priorities, when I got the job, that I made sure that Richard was one of the players we needed to keep - the same with Joe as well - it's something that we want to be resolved quickly and I'm sure we'll have news on that very, very soon.

"There's a will on both sides to get the deals done."

Hughes also confirmed there were no problems with Micah Richards: "No no, he was training well today. No problem there."


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