Cerezo weighs up move for Ze Roberto

DUBAI // The Al Shabab coach Toninho Cerezo is weighing up a move for Bayern Munich's Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto - after turning down three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo and former Italy striker Marco Delvecchio. Ze Roberto looks likely to leave Bayern when his contract expires at the end of the month after talks over a new deal broke down and his agent has offered him to Shabab.

Bayern had offered the Brazilian, 34, a one-year extension, but the player was hoping to receive a longer deal. General manager Uli Hoeness insists he will not budge, opening the door for Shabab. "We have not reached an agreement," Hoeness told Kicker magazine. "We cannot offer Mark van Bommel, who is 32, only a one-year deal and then offer a 34-year-old two years." According to club sources, Ze Roberto's compatriot Ronaldo, 32, who plays with with Brazilian club Corinthians after being released by Inter Milan in 2008, was also offered to the club.

"We received an offer from Ronaldo's agent and club,' said the source. "But we did not want to take risk with him, considering the spate of injuries he has suffered. He has not been able to recover from them and if you see his performance with Corinthians, he is just a poor shadow of his former self, when he gave us these beautiful memories. "Money was not an issue here; we want players who can provide excellent performances and raise the profile and prestige of the club at the Gulf and Asian level. The player's recent misadventures also played a part in our decision."

Cerezo also turned down the former Roma striker Delvecchio, 36, out of the game since leaving Ascoli in 2007, simply saying: "He is too old. He is not what we need." [e-mail]