Flamengo Look To Make Ibson Deal Permanent

Ibson joined FC Porto in the winter of the 2004/5 season, and quickly forced his way into the team with several critics voting him Porto’s player of the year for that season.

However, the Brazilian failed to cement his place over the following seasons, particularly due to the arrival of Argentine Lucho Gonzalez, and found himself having to look elsewhere for first team football.

The midfielder joined Flamengo on-loan last summer, a deal which terminates on the 30th June 2008. He has been a key component of the Brazilian side.

Ibson has made it clear that his relationship with current Porto manager Jesualdo Ferreira leaves much to be desired, and it now seems that ‘Fla’ will be attempting to sign him permanently.

Speaking to Portuguese sports daily ‘Record’, Ibsons father Lais Silva commented that if Porto were to allow his son to leave the club for four million euros, Flamengo would buy him permanently.

However, Silva also indicated the complexity of the situation by adding “Ibson's agent (Jorge Mendes) once received a five million euro offer from a Spanish club for him which he presented to Porto officials…an offer they rejected.”

Silva concluded by saying that the players monthly wage would not be a problem for the Brazilian club, stating “His monthly wage doesn’t worry Flamengo, he earns little more than 30,000 euros a month, a wage any club in Brazil can play.”

FC Porto will surely be assessing the situation, and with the possible exit of Lucho Gonzalez in the near future, the club will be looking at suitable replacements.

However, the volatile relationship between Ibson and manager Ferreira indicates that it is unlikely the midfielder will be returning to Porto in the summer, and so the club may well consider a bid from Flamengo.

Milan: Ronaldo Not Signing For Flamengo

The Brazilian striker was yesterday thought to be on his way to the Rio de Janeiro-based club after their Vice-President Kleber Leite said a transfer was on the cards.

"Flamengo have been authorised by AC Milan to start discussions with Ronaldo,” Leite said.

"We've had preliminary conversations, noting that he wants to change the direction of his life."

However a statement today on Milan’s official club website has dismissed these claims:

“A.C. Milan denies to have started a negotiation with Flamengo for the transfer of Ronaldo; therefore also denies to have authorized the same Brazilian club for an eventual agreement with the footballer.”

Ronaldo, whose contract with the Rossoneri runs out in the summer, has played just one game this season, sparking rumours that his contract with the club will not be renewed.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to a host of clubs, including Turkish champions Fenerbahce, who are coached by Brazil and Flamengo legend Zico.

Ronaldo will be free to talk to other clubs in January in view of a Bosman free transfer at the end of the campaign.

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