City leading the chase for Ronaldinho

Manchester City have the upper hand in the battle for Ronaldinho after lodging a £25.5million bid, say Barcelona.

City are fighting with AC Milan for the forward, who has been told he can leave the Nou Camp. Barcelona president Joan Laporta said: "[Ronaldinho and his agent] have two interesting proposals and they are leaning more towards the one from City. We hope to be able to resolve the situation this week."

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has flown into Barcelona to try and persuade Ronaldinho to move to Italy.

Meanwhile, England goalkeeper Scott Carson is in talks with Stoke after the Premier League newcomers agreed a £3.5m fee with Liverpool. The 22-year-old, who joined the Reds in 2005, was on loan at Aston Villa last season.