Ronaldo offered new deal? Monday, February 04, 2008
MANCHESTER United are reportedly ready to make Cristiano Ronaldo the highest paid player in the Premier League in a bid to fend off interest from Spain or Italy.
The champions are said to be set to offer him a £140,000 a week deal with Real Madrid and Barcelona constantly linked with bank-busting raids for the Portuguese sensation.
Real have let it be known they are prepared to make him the highest paid player in their history, while latest reports from Spain say Jose Mourinho plans to take over at Barcelona – and will make Ronaldo his number one target.
Any moves from the continent are academic right now with Ronaldo contracted to United until 2012.
He has also made it clear he is happy in Manchester where he is idolised by supporters and has become one of the biggest names in the game.
But Sir Alex Ferguson and the powers that be at Old Trafford will be well aware that the double footballer of the year is currently the most sought after player in world football.
The new deal United are said to be drawing up will be worth £44m and will tie Ronaldo to the club until 2014.
It would eclipse the £130,000 a week John Terry picks up at Chelsea – making him the highest paid player in the country.
Ferguson is said to be concerned Ronaldo could leave for a cut price £10m in two years time thanks to a new ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
It would mean he could potentially leave in 2010 provided he paid up the remaining two years of his contract, which is worth £100,000 a week.
Meanwhile Arsene Wenger has revealed that he came close to landing the 22-year-old before he signed for United in 2003.
“We were very close,” he said. “We had him here much earlier – he could tell you that if he wants.
“One day I will tell you more about that story and you will be surprised.
“Manchester United had a partnership with Sporting Lisbon when United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz moved and that made it very difficult.”
