Brazilian sports media outlet Lancenet report that initial conversations have taken place between Ronaldinho Gaúcho’s agent Assis and Fluminense sponsors Unimed over a transfer this January.
Ronaldinho, 32, is currently a key member of the Atlético Mineiro side that lie second in the Brasileirão table, but is only on a short-term contract that will expire in late December.
Unimed, who are the main financial contributors to Fluminense, are believed to be interested in the marketing possibilities that the star would bring and hope to re-unite the player with friends Thiago Neves and Deco in Rio de Janeiro.
The website reports that Ronaldinho is keen on a return to the city, whilst his current salary would be drastically improved to match the levels of Fluminense’s top-earners.
The relationship between Ronaldinho and Atlético is also reported to have deteriorated in recent times, with club president Alexandre Kalil having criticised those close to the star for his nighttime escapades.
Both Unimed president Celso Barros, who instigated the talks, and Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Assis have denied that any negotiations are taking place, but the newspaper is adamant that a deal has been discussed.
Any transfer would see Ronaldinho link up with fellow internationals Fred, Deco, Rafael Sobis and Thiago Neves in a potent attacking line-up that Fluminense would hope could fire them to the 2013 Copa Libertadores title.
