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