Ronaldo is close to signing new deal Saturday July 30, 2005
Ronaldo set to sign
CRISTIANO RONALDO is ready to sign a new five-year contract with Manchester United next week.
Old Trafford officials were always confident their brilliant Portuguese winger would commit his future to the club ahead of the new Premiership campaign.
It had been anticipated the 20-year-old would officially agree the new deal on his return from United's training camp in the Algarve earlier this month.
The delay led to some suggestions Ronaldo was having second thoughts, although chief executive David Gill insisted it was not the case.
And, in contrast to Rio Ferdinand, whose £100,000-a-week deal remains unsigned, Ronaldo has confirmed formal agreement to extend his time with the Red Devils is imminent.
"Everything is all right," declared the former Sporting Lisbon star. "Maybe I will sign next week."
The final touches to the deal will probably be made on Monday, after United have flown home from the Far East, and will be greeted with glee by United.
While it is undeniable the departure of David Beckham has had an effect on United's popularity in Asia, there have been signs Ronaldo is capable of going some way to filling the gap.
Ronaldo already has a modelling contract of his own with Pepe Jeans, but he could easily become the new face of United too given the way his dazzling performances have been received in China and Tokyo.
His outrageous skills have brought supporters to their feet on a regular basis.
