Real Madrid to hand Van Nistelrooy Ronaldo's No9

Real Madrid directors are preparing an approach to Liga officials about granting Ruud van Nistelrooy the No9 shirt worn by Ronaldo.

Real management are keen to reinforce their confidence in Van Nistelrooy, who has already struck 16 goals this season, and as soon Ronaldo's move to AC Milan is rubberstamped will approach the Liga about the Dutchman inheriting the No9 jersey.

The one stumbling block could be Real's marketing department, which is reluctant to change Van Nistelrooy's No17 shirt midseason.