Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook is still hopeful that the Sky Blues can overcome the "complexities" surrounding a deal to bring former FIFA world-player of the year Ronaldinho to the Eastlands Stadium from La Liga giants Barcelona.

New Barca boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear to 28-year-old Brazilian International Ronaldinho that he is not part of his plans at the Camp Nou, and has given City permission to hold talks with the striker, who joined the Catalan side from French club Paris Saint Germain in 2003.

However, new City boss Mark Hughes faces competition from Serie A giants AC Milan for Ronaldinho, who according to reports are keen to bring the Brazilian to the San Siro on a loan deal, as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea, with former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari now at Stamford Bridge also being heavily linked with a move for the forward.

Manchester City are still optimistic of luring Ronaldinho to the Premier League to link up with fellow Brazilian Jo, who recently became the clubs record signing, after his move from Russian team CSKA Moscow.

Cook said: "We are in the hunt and have been talking to them on a regular basis.

"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. We know it is a competitive market place.

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

"Although there is long way to go, we are optimistic. Any great player is welcome here as this is a growth club.

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