United see red over Ronaldo claim
United have reacted angrily to claims that Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
UNITED have reacted angrily to claims that Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Reds believe Friday's claims by the Spanish giants' pet newspaper Marca - that a deal would be done "within days, if not hours" - is simply a case of Madrid stepping up their bid to drive a rift between the player and his club.
A United spokesman dismissed the talk as "utter nonsense" and reaffirmed the club's stance throughout the summer transfer saga, saying that Ronaldo is simply not for sale.
However, United still might be without their star winger for the start of the season because he is expected to undergo ankle surgery next week, which could rule him out for six weeks.
Confirmation of Ronaldo’s operation comes after the view of a specialist backed up that of medical staff from both United and the Portuguese Football Association.
Madrid appear to have placed a £67m ceiling on the money they are prepared to pay for Ronaldo, with Marca claiming that secret talks between club representatives and agents of United owners the Glazer family have revealed that the Reds want at least £80m.
The newspaper also says that Madrid have again urged Ronaldo to put in a transfer request in order to set the ball rolling.
HARTLEPOOL have signed former United midfielder Ritchie Jones after he was released by the Reds in the summer. The Stockport-born 21-year-old made three appearances for the first team. Another released Red, Michael Lea, is having trials with Scunthorpe.
The Reds believe Friday's claims by the Spanish giants' pet newspaper Marca - that a deal would be done "within days, if not hours" - is simply a case of Madrid stepping up their bid to drive a rift between the player and his club.
A United spokesman dismissed the talk as "utter nonsense" and reaffirmed the club's stance throughout the summer transfer saga, saying that Ronaldo is simply not for sale.
However, United still might be without their star winger for the start of the season because he is expected to undergo ankle surgery next week, which could rule him out for six weeks.
Confirmation of Ronaldo’s operation comes after the view of a specialist backed up that of medical staff from both United and the Portuguese Football Association.
Madrid appear to have placed a £67m ceiling on the money they are prepared to pay for Ronaldo, with Marca claiming that secret talks between club representatives and agents of United owners the Glazer family have revealed that the Reds want at least £80m.
The newspaper also says that Madrid have again urged Ronaldo to put in a transfer request in order to set the ball rolling.
HARTLEPOOL have signed former United midfielder Ritchie Jones after he was released by the Reds in the summer. The Stockport-born 21-year-old made three appearances for the first team. Another released Red, Michael Lea, is having trials with Scunthorpe.