We'll sign Cristiano Ronaldo for £100m, boast Real Madrid

By Martin Lipton 13/05/2008

Cristiano Ronaldo (Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United future was cast into doubt again last night as Real Madrid insisted the Portuguese superstar could be ready to leave Old Trafford this summer.

In a move guaranteed to infuriate Sir Alex Ferguson, sources at the Bernabeu were claiming that Ronaldo's representatives are holding the door open for a move.

"We are hearing there is still a possibility that Ronaldo will leave United," a spokesman at Real said. "Of course, it could still be a case of games being played, so that he can get the contract that he wants from United."

Ronaldo has bridled at the constant speculation and United maintain that no offer on earth would tempt them to sell the double Footballer of the Year.

But Real insiders are adamant that they have received soundings from Ronaldo's representatives that he is having second thoughts over committing himself to Old Trafford.

President Ramon Calderon is desperate to sign a talismanic player to spearhead next season's challenge Champions League challenge.

And the Spanish titleholders are ready to pounce by confirming their £100million valuation if Ronaldo hints at a desire to move on - especially when he is on Euro 2008 duty with Portugal in Switzerland and Austria.

A Bernabeu source added: "The suggestion coming from Ronaldo's people is that he is not sure United will make good on the promises he has been made, and is starting to wonder of there is anything more he can do in England.

"We are talking about the best player in the world, who has won consecutive Premier League titles and could have won the Champions League as well by next week.

"If he is looking for the next challenge, then it can only come by leaving England and there could be no club better to go to after leaving Old Trafford than Real Madrid."

The news will annoy Fergie in the build-up to the Champions League final tomorrow week.

United resume training today with a warning to concentrate on beating Chelsea in Moscow "Once we've finished our celebrations, it's the start of winning the European Cup," said Fergie.

"We've got a great chance against Chelsea. The mood generated by winning the title at Wigan sees us in a very confident position."