Santos confirm interest in Ronaldinho

Brazilian giants Santos have admitted they are keen on adding Atletico Mineiro forward Ronaldinho to their ranks.

The 32-year-old has just over six months left on his deal and is widely tipped to leave his current club in the near future.

Atletico Mineiro are preparing a new contract offer for their star player, but they face a stiff competition for the player’s signature, with several other Brazilian clubs also keen.

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira has now admitted that he would like to pair star striker Neymar with the veteran playmaker.

“I have not contacted the player, because he is still under contract with another club, but we have shown interest in seeing the player at Santos, and that makes us happy,” Luis Alvaro de Oliveira told reporters in Brazil.

Santos boss Muricy Ramalho sees Ronaldinho as a perfect replacement for Paulo Henrique Ganso, who made a switch to Sao Paulo in the summer.

The veteran midfielder joined Atletico Mineiro on a free transfer from Flamengo in June 2012 and largely impressed at the start of his career at the club, scoring 8 goals in 30 league appearances.