Newcastle United remain in the hunt for Ronaldinho - despite Barcelona admitting they cannot match Manchester United's bid for the Brazilian star.

It appears Sir Alex Ferguson is in prime position to snap up the World Cup winner, whom he has lined up as his No 1 summer target.

But the Magpies are refusing to give up the fight for the £12m-rated player after weekend talks between chairman Freddy Shepherd and Ronaldinho's representatives.

The player is believed to favour a move to Spain, but Barca vice-president Sandro Rosell said: "We want Ronaldinho but our offer is lower than others.

"Paris Saint-Germain now have new owners as well who want to keep the player, which makes it more difficult."

As Spanish champions, Real are not thought to be serious contenders for Ronaldinho's signature following the £25m deal to take David Beckham to the Bernabeu it appears to be a straight battle between the Magpies and the Red Devils. Roberto Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, met Shepherd in Spain on Saturday as the race for one of world football's brightest talents hotted up.

Newcastle have always known they are the outsiders in the battle to sign the 23-year-old, who was sent off last night against Turkey, but the news that PSG are accusing Ferguson's side of making an illegal approach for Ronaldinho may give the Magpies hope.

Meanwhile, manager Sir Bobby Robson has told Steve Harper to bide his time, as the Easington-born goalkeeper awaits his Premiership chance with Newcastle.

The Magpie's second-choice keeper, behind Republic of Ireland international Shay Given, has not made a top-flight appearance since January 2001. But, despite interest in the 28-year-old from Birmingham, Robson believes he can keep what he considers 'two of the best keepers in the country' both happy.

He said: "We have been saying for some time that in him and Shay Given we have the best pair of goalkeepers in the Premiership and nothing has changed in this respect.

"To tell the truth, there is not much to choose between them, but of course Shay has been absolutely outstanding in recent seasons.

"But Steve is terrific back-up - just the back-up we need in fact. He didn't get his chance last season because Shay did so well - and not only that, he managed to avoid any injury."

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