Nike, adidas involved in sensational Man Utd-Real Madrid swap

A sensational swap deal involving Real Madrid star Ronaldo and Manchester United's David Beckham has again been mooted.

News of the deal first surfaced in January, when Ronaldo was heavily criticised by honourary president Alfredo Di Stefano and trainer Vicente del Bosque for being out of shape.

Sportswear giants Nike and adidas would partly fund the move, with both companies having stakes in all four parties involved.

Ronaldo admitted this week that he was touched by the reception he received from the Old Trafford crowd.

"I will never forget that reaction, it was an impressive ovation," he said. "I've only ever had one like it before, and that was when I scored for Inter after I came back from injury."