" Man Utd admit Kleberson move"
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he has opened negotiations for Brazil World Cup star Kleberson.
Ferguson is close to sealing a £19.3m deal for Ronaldinho - and has now confirmed he is pursuing a move for fellow countryman Kleberson.
A report in The Independent newspaper on Wednesday claimed the Old Trafford club have agreed a £5m fee with the midfielder´s club Atletico Paranaense.
Ferguson said: " We are pursuing an interest in Kleberson at the moment."
Leeds United had thought they were on the verge of signing the 24-year-old World Cup winner.
Manager Peter Reid said: " I have been an admirer of his for a long time - it will be terrific if we can find a way to bring him to Leeds."
But Ferguson sees Kleberson as an ideal addition to his midfield following David Beckham´s move to Real Madrid.
Kleberson´s arrival could hasten the departure of Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, possibly in a £14m transfer to Chelsea.
Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon has already met Paranaense president Mario Celso Petraglia, with more discussions set for Tuesday.
Kenyon has said he hopes to have the Ronaldinho transfer completed by the time United leave for their tour of the USA on Saturday.
A quick deal for Kleberson, followed by Veron´s exit, would sign off a memorable week for the Premiership champions who have also confirmed the arrival of American goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Kleberson, who has 20 caps and scored two international goals, was one of Brazil´s better players during their disappointing Confederations Cup campaign in France last month.