Manchester City are close to agreeing new contracts with Richard Dunne and Joe Hart - and remain "optimistic" they can bring in Ronaldinho.Dunne, who is out of contract next summer, has been linked with £5million moves to both Newcastle and Tottenham. But the City skipper is now, along with highly-rated goalkeeper Hart, close to pledging their futures to Eastlands.

On Dunne, City boss Mark Hughes said: "It is as good as done. He is a really important player for us. It was one of my priorities when I became manager to keep him.

"Joe is another one we want to stay. We hope to resolve his situation. Those negotiations are ongoing but I think there is a will on both sides," he added regarding Hart.

Just a day after unveiling £19million record signing Jo from CSKA Moscow, City chairman Garry Cook remains hopeful of luring Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

Cook said: "We are in the hunt and have been talking to them on (a) regular basis.

"We will continue to do so until we feel it is not right to bring the player to the club or he decides not to come. We know it is a competitive market place.

"There are some complexities (to a possible deal) that you don't normally associate with signing a player.

"Although there is long way to go, we are optimistic. Any great player is welcome here as this is a growth club.

"We are on a journey and are not going to stop until we create a new era."

Ronaldinho has been linked with a move to Chelsea while questions have also been raised about his form and fitness.

But Hughes is adamant they can give the 2002 World Cup winner the platform he needs to get back to his best.

"Perhaps in the last 18 months he has not reached his potential," Hughes said.

"We are offering him an opportunity that will stimulate him and enable him to get back to the level he was at before.

"I think it could be an interesting idea for him. Maybe what we are doing here would attract him more than going to an established Champions League club.

"The decision will be his, of course, as I am sure he will have many offers. Whether he can see our vision remains to be seen."

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