RONALDINHO last night warned Newcastle and Manchester United that his ambition is to play for Real Madrid - despite David Beckham's impending arrival at the Bernabeu.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is due to have talks in London with Ronaldinho's agent and brother, Roberto Assis, in a bid to tempt the World Cup winner to Tyneside on a four-year contract worth around £8m.

The Magpies are prepared to offer Paris St. Germain the chance to re-sign winger Laurent Robert, plus a £4m cash adjustment, in exchange for Ronaldinho.

Man. United have already offered £12m for the Brazilian and believe they have a deal in place. But Newcastle, who still rate Robert at close to £10m, reckon their proposition is more appealing to PSG.

Ronaldinho, however, has admitted he is still eyeing Real and any opportunity to join forces with compatriots Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, as well as his favourite player, French ace Zinedine Zidane.

The prospect seemed to recede last night as news broke that Man. United had agreed the sale of England captain Beckham.

Old Trafford chiefs are now even more confident that they will land Ronaldinho.

But the 23-year-old forward, who looks certain to be on the move after the forthcoming Confederations Cup, said: "All I can say is that, right now, I am working hard to play for one of Europe's big clubs, and Spain would be very attractive for me.

"There are a lot of teams I like watching, but above all I like the teams where my friends play. I admire Ronaldo and Zidane and I enjoy watching them.''

Ronaldinho insists he is not fazed by the competition for places in Real's star-studded line-up, which also includes the likes of Raul and Luis Figo.

He added: "I have been able to adapt positions; I have no problems playing in one position or another.

"I have already played on the right, on the left, as a striker or in a deeper role, so there's no problem. The most important thing is to play and enjoy it.''

Shepherd, meanwhile, is understood to be planning to fly to Australia next month for talks with long-time target Brett Emerton.

Northern Echo SPORT revealed a fortnight ago that Feyenoord had given the Magpies permission to open negotiations with the Australian international.

Newcastle are confident of sealing a £4m deal for the midfielder, who is currently on honeymoon in his homeland.

Shepherd could fly Down Under to meet Emerton before linking up with the Newcastle squad in Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian Cup which begins on July 24.

l Empoli striker Antonio Di Natale, linked with Middlesbrough this week, is reported to have agreed a new four-year deal with the Italian club. Di Natale, who partnered Massimo Maccarone before the Italian international joined Boro in a club record £8.15m deal last summer, scored 13 goals in Serie A last season.

Meanwhile, Premiership new boys Wolves are rivals to Boro for West Ham's England winger Trevor Sinclair.

Northern Echo SPORT exclusively revealed Boro's interest in Sinclair two weeks ago.

Boro are also understood to have enquired about bringing Brazilian midfielder Emerson back to the Riverside, after Atletico Madrid deemed him surplus.