Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho is so closely tied to Nike, I can reveal, that they have contractual call on a set number of dates for personal appearances, adverts and endorsements, mostly in Spain and linked to his playing contract at the Nou Camp. Manchester City’s new chief executive Garry Cook, a former Nike executive, has masterminded the hugely complex detail of marrying those priority dates into a season turning out for City. It could mean, for example, that Ronaldinho would be excused from some games, possibly early Carling Cup fixtures, to fulfil existing contractual arrangements with Nike in Spain. 

It is an extraordinary scenario, a first in this country, and is sure to cause the game’s administrators nightmares if they feel it might set a precedent. City are confident they can come to a financial deal with Barcelona, who are only too willing to offload a player at the age of 28 who had lost his zest for the game in the final stages of last season. 

There are no other serious bidders for Ronaldinho, who could cost City’s new boss Mark Hughes less than £20million.