CITY are preparing to wrap a spectacular transfer gift for their new manager - Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho.

The Blues are hoping to secure the services of Blackburn boss Mark Hughes after meetings between the parties on Monday night, and owner Thaksin Shinawatra is also planning an audacious swoop for the Barcelona ace as planning for next season moves into full swing.

Blues representatives are reported to be have set up a meeting with Ronaldinho at his home in Brazil this week, and Shinawatra is intent on securing an all- Brazilian strike force by pairing the two-time World Footballer of the Year with CSKA Moscow man Jo.

Ronaldinho's brother Roberto de Assis has already been in Thailand to meet Shinawatra's right-hand man Pairoj Piempongsant, while the Blues' new chief executive Garry Cook has strong ties with the Brazilian from his previous job as brand president at Nike, which is the player's major sponsor.

Sources in Spain indicate that the 28-year-old may be seeking a move from Barca, where he has argued with coach Frank Rijkaard and missed much of last season through injury.

Rise

He is said to want a huge pay rise to £200,000 a week from any clubs willing to buy his services. That kind of money would shatter the English record of £135,000 a week currently earned by Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard.

That kind of money would also destroy City's wage structure, but the Blues could work out a deal tied to global shirt sales - Ronaldinho recently topped a poll of Asian football fans ahead of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's top player.

The imponderable factor in the move is the reaction of Hughes, who is mulling over a move to Eastlands, but may not appreciate what appears to be a transfer bid driven by the board.

Do you think Ronaldinho would join City - and would you want him? Have your say.