Cristiano Ronaldo has rocked United by insisting: I want to join
Real Madrid. The Portuguese winger dropped his bombshell on the eve of the European championships. He will be offered incredible wages of £75million after tax over five years and the Spaniards are also prepared to pay a £75m transfer fee.
Ronaldo, 23, told respected Brazilian website Terra: “I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what
Manchester United ask of them. However, it does not depend on me.” The loss of Ronaldo would be a huge blow to United and defender
Rio Ferdinand immediately pleaded with him to stay at
Old Trafford. He said: “This team can get better but we need it to stay together.” Rio, in Nigeria promoting Education in Football, added: “We have worked hard to get to the position we are in and want to build on the success we have had. That means keeping all the players at the club."
Shaun Custis, The SunIn other news, new Manchester City boss Mark Hughes wants to make the Blues as big as their red rivals from down the road. “The ambition is to challenge the top clubs — not just in the Premier League, but in Europe," he said.
The Sun claims he and
Sir Alex Ferguson are both chasing Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz. “The interest from United is real," the striker is quoted as saying. "But I’m busy now so my representatives will handle anything if there is a concrete offer.”
The Daily Mail report that United have told Sunderland they will not let them sign centre-back Jonny Evans permanently until they have sufficient defensive cover, after selling Gerard Pique.
Round up by Gemma Thompson, Manutd.com
