By Gary Spate
July 5 2003

THE competition is hotting up for Manchester United as not only are Real Madrid interested in landing Brazilian winger Ronaldinho, Chelsea have also joined the race for the World Cup winner's signature. The Paris St-Germain winger is available for transfer at the correct price but so far the club have rejected an undisclosed fee from Manchester United.

While Chelsea are yet to make any offer for Ronaldinho, they now have the cash available after Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club from former owner Ken Bates.

Ronaldinho's agent and brother Roberto Assis said: "Manchester United are still negotiating with Paris St Germain.

""There is also some interest from Chelsea, although there hasn't been an official offer put to the club yet."

Due to Paris St-Germain's poor financial position, the original asking price of around £14million has now doubled to £31million, far higher than Manchester United's valuation of the winger.