Schalke to bid for Ronaldinho: Report

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 30 (IANS)

Ronaldinho Gaucho of Atletico MG during a match between Botafogo and Atletico MG as part of Brazilian Cup 2013 at Maracana Stadium on August 22, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho is reportedly being pursued by German club Schalke 04 ahead of Monday’s European transfer deadline.

The Bundesliga club have turned their attention to the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year after their first choice target Samuel Eto’o joined Chelsea, reports Xinhua.

“Schalke is looking for international stars to reinforce their squad for the Champions League,” Brazilian newspaper Globoesporte said Thursday.

Ronaldinho is in the final year of his contract with Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, who he helped to the Copa Libertadores title last month. The 33-year-old’s brother and agent, Roberto Assis, could not be reached for comment.