City 'optimistic' of Ronaldinho coup

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Brazilian playmaker is looking for a new direction after being off-loaded by Barcelona and City are in dialogue with the player's representatives and anxious to bring him in alongside new club record signing Jo.

"We are in the hunt and have been talking to them on (a) regular basis," Cook said. "We will continue to do so until we feel it is not right to bring the player to the club or he decides not to come. Although there is long way to go, we are optimistic."

He added: "Any great player is welcome here as this is a growth club.

"There are some complexities (to a possible deal) that you don't normally associate with signing a player.

"We are on a journey and are not going to stop until we create a new era."

Ronaldinho has been linked with a move to Chelsea while questions have also been raised about his form and fitness.

But manager Mark Hughes is adamant they can give the 2002 World Cup winner the platform he needs to get back to his best.

"Perhaps in the last 18 months he has not reached his potential," Hughes said. "We are offering him an opportunity that will stimulate him and enable him to get back to the level he was at before.

"I think it could be an interesting idea for him. Maybe what we are doing here would attract him more than going to an established Champions League club."