BEIJING,
March. 16 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid is reportedly confident of signing Manchester United's
Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the season.
In a story headed "This one will get the Bernabeu on
its feet," sports daily Marca said yesterday that Real president Ramon Calderon
has made the Portugal forward's signing "an absolute priority" even though "he
will cost a fortune."
Calderon has reportedly been informed by Real's
sports director Predrag Mijatovic and marketing director Jose Angel Sanchez that
the deal would be "viable and profitable" despite the size of the transfer fee.
Marca said Ronaldo "wants to leave United" due to a
wish to play closer to home, adding he would be a perfect replacement for David
Beckham, who joins Los Angeles Galaxy In August. The newspaper story contrasts
with recent comments by United's chief executive David Gill that the 22-year-old
winger "wants to stay."
United last week opened talks with Ronaldo on
extending his contract, which would tie him until 2012, making him the club's
highest-paid player.
He has also told Portuguese radio he intends to
remain with United, while expressing a wish to play in Spain one day.
Ronaldo has enjoyed his best season of the four he
has spent with United, scoring 16 goals to help the team to the top of the
Premier League. United is also challenging for the Champions League and the FA
Cup.
(Source: Shanghai Daily)
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