United tell Real that’s what wonder-boy Ronaldo will cost you
CRISTIANO Ronaldo is now valued at an astonishing £75million by Manchester United, who have already had an approach from Real Madrid for the January transfer window.
That figure would eclipse the previous world-record fee of £49m that Real paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
A leading agent told me last night: “A few days ago, as the transfer window opened, Real Madrid made it plain they would pay 60m euros (£44.3m), but Manchester United’s response was emphatic.
“They told Real not to come back with anything less than 100m euros (£73.9m) – and even then there is no guarantee that they would would take it.”
Whether the initial ‘offer’ and the reply came from agents rather than directly from the clubs is debatable. But there is no doubt Real want Ronaldo – badly enough to break the record fee.
But Sir Alex Ferguson would not entertain losing Ronaldo – either now, or in the summer when Real are sure to come back with a renewed bid if their January probings fail.
The wealthiest club in the world may balk at more than £70m for Ronaldo, but it is certain they are ready to offer in excess of £50m for the Portuguese wonder boy, as their first approach is merely an opening gambit.
Ronaldo, I believe, has made up his mind to go to Madrid, and Real have already been working on an agreement with his agent. A deal has already been hatched in outline before United get to the table.
It is usual for agents to work out personal terms well in advance, and Real’s conviction that they can get their man is helped by the knowledge the salary package can be resolved before the player’s present club are contacted.
Ferguson, though, is far from impressed with such tactics. He sanctioned the departure of David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze to Real, but those players he really wants to keep will not be allowed an easy passage. Players tend to leave Old Trafford when the manager wants them out.
It is going to be a fascinating power struggle between United and Real over Ronaldo in the coming weeks and, more likely, months.
As for the authenticity of our New Year’s Day exclusive, forecasting a bid by Real, it is now an open secret in Spain the club have targeted Ronaldo.
Usually reluctant to discuss their prime transfer targets, Real are unusually bullish.
As president Ramon Calderon said: “Who would not want a player such as Ronaldo in their team? He is one of the best players in the world.”
* Paul Scholes said yesterday he should be available for United within five weeks following a knee injury.
“I’ve started running now,” he said. “I’ve got these next few weeks to get as fit as I can. I’m on track to return at the end of January or the start of February.”
this has been going on for ages now. Every Fucking transfer window real and barca try to buy him. This time they are reported to have bid 45 mil for ronaldo. Im sorry, if berb is 26/27 and is worth 30 mil, then ronaldo who is 22 and much better should be worth 85+. Either way i dont want united to sell him because you cant replace him.
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"I anticipated this," Sir Alex said somewhat wearily. "In the New Year you almost expect it.
"The thing about this story is that it has been claimed that David Gill has been speaking to Real Madrid. That is a complete lie. We have never spoken to them. The story depends on agents and their imaginations.
"At best it's mischievous, but I just dismiss it because it's nonsense. But who wouldn’t be interested in Ronaldo? That’s why we bought him."
75m isnt enough hell 100m isnt enough, there is no one in the world you can replace him with no matter how much you spend he is just the best, his goal ratio is nothing short of amazing and he chips in his fair share of assists as well.
UNited is one of the top 3 clubs in the world, there job is to be the best in the world. IT's not like they are a team that needs the money. I can see him going eventually, it's going to be a Beckham-like event.
real madrid have recently put a bid in for him for £50M and david gill has said no matter what price we are not selling ronaldo for what he is worth to the team and everything - bbc sport
real madrid have recently put a bid in for him for £50M and david gill has said no matter what price we are not selling ronaldo for what he is worth to the team and everything - bbc sport
Ronaldo to Spain?
Ronaldo to Spain? -
01-04-2008, 02:54 AM
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