Ronaldo urges Ballack to join Real Madrid

Ronaldo has told Bayern Munich ace Michael Ballack he can become the best player in the world by joining him at Real Madrid.

"Technically, Ballack can still improve, but if a day comes when he wants to become the best player in the world, he will have to go to Italy or come to Spain," said Real Madrid striker Ronaldo.

Real are now favourites to land Ballack after chief rivals Manchester United dropped out of the running over the weekend.