Steve Kean, the Blackburn Rovers manager, believes the club's audacious bid for Ronaldinho is a signal of the ambition of its new owners.
Anuradha Desai, chairman of Venky's - who took over Blackburn in November - yesterday confirmed Rovers had made a £6.2 million (Dh35.3m) bid for the AC Milan star.
The Brazilian left the club's training camp in Dubai last week to return home and was thought to be on the verge of a deal with Gremio, where he started his career.
However, Blackburn have entered the fray and, although it may seem fanciful that the former Barcelona playmaker would move to the unfashionable Premier League club, Kean believes it sends out the right message to other would-be targets.
"If any Premier League manager was asked if they wanted to sign someone who has been World Player of the Year twice, they would be interested."
"That is something that puts us on the map in terms of trying to bring players of that stature to the club."
Rovers are believed to have offered Ronaldinho, 30, a three-year £20m-plus deal.
"He is keen to play in the English Premier League and I think that goes in our favour," Desai told BBC Radio Lancashire.
She also said the club had made attempts to sign David Beckham on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, adding that the club were "open whenever he is ready to come".
Midnight, Abu Dhabi Sports
Company%20profile
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Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
