The Brazilian star, who has been struggling with fitness problems for quite a while, is reportedly seeking to leave San Siro because his salary has been significantly reduced.

Ronaldinho was tipped to join one of the Emirati titans but all three clubs denied targeting the 30-year-old.

"I don't know why Al Ahli's name has been dragged into this," Ahli CEO Ahmad Hammad was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

"UAE League rules dictate that we can only have three foreign players and our allocation is full.

"This is illogical, we have Cannavaro, Pinga and Bance. To say we are looking to change this — it really is very early and we've not even closed the summer transfer window yet."

Officials from Ain and Wahda have also rebuffed the suggestions, saying they have no empty slots for non-Emirati footballers, according to the same report.