June 17, 2008

CRISTIANO Ronaldo appears to be edging closer to joining Real Madrid after reports in England claimed the Manchester United winger is ready to demand a transfer after Euro 2008.

Ronaldo has made it clear he would like to sign for the Spanish champions if they meet his wage demands, but United are determined to keep the Portugal winger.

United reported Real to UEFA for trying to unsettle their prize asset but Bernd Schuster's club are still ready to make Ronaldo the highest paid player in the world if he can persuade United to bow to his wishes.

That has led to a stand-off between the two clubs that Ronaldo appears set to resolve himself.

He could be set to hand in a transfer request or even refuse to report for pre-season training according to the Times, who report that Ronaldo told a source he "would do everything in his power to persuade United to sell".

The former Sporting Lisbon star is expected to issue a further statement, outlining his intentions as soon as he finishes with Portugal's Euro campaign.

Ronaldo only signed his current 120,000 pounds a week contract with United 16 months ago but he could expect to at least double that sum if he switched to the Bernabeu.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed earlier this month that he would let Ronaldo rot in the reserves rather than be bullied into selling him.

He is unlikely to be tempted to change his mind by reports that Real are ready to offer Brazil winger Robinho as part of the deal.

With Ronaldo apparently determined to quit, the saga could turn ugly.

The Daily Mirror reports that a close friend said: "Ronaldo has made his mind up now and feels it is just time to wait before he announces what he will do - which is to go to Madrid.

"The announcement about Cristiano's future will be the next step, but it won't happen until the end of Euro 2008 for him and Portugal.

"He is determined to be the master of his own future. The decision has been made and now it's a case of everybody getting in position for the future - even if United aren't yet ready to sit down and talk to Real."