Internazionale President Massimo Moratti has said he is not prepared to spend £31 million on Barcelona's Ronaldinho and will not try to outbid city rivals Milan.

"The price of Ronaldinho is a little high," Moratti said. "We are following the affair but I don't think we are the most interested. Others have officially said they are. There is no derby (to sign him)."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta earlier said he had received several bids for the twice former World Player of the Year, including from Premier League sides, but Milan had shown the strongest interest.

Milan said earlier this month they had agreed personal terms with the Brazil forward but his move to the San Siro stalled over the Spanish club's asking price.

"I only say that Ronaldinho is worth more than 40 million euros (£31m)," Laporta said. He added that the player might stay on at the Camp Nou.

"He has never created the slightest problem and I'm sure he will return to how he was before, as soon as he is well.

"He just needs to find new motivation, but it's no foregone conclusion that he has to leave because he can find this with us, given that his contract runs until 2010."

Manager Frank Rijkaard recently said Ronaldinho had played his last game for the club, and Laporta's statement most likely represents a negotiating stance in what promises to be a lengthy transfer saga.

Little more than two years ago, the 28-year-old was almost unanimously regarded as the best player in the world.

However, a prolonged dip in form, coupled with question marks over his professionalism and proneness to injury, means Barça have been offered little more than half their asking price.

Reuters