According to the Observer newspaper, a deal has already been agreed between Manchester United and Real Madrid to take Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish champions, despite the denials of both clubs.

The story is destined to become the enduring transfer saga of the summer, with the Portuguese player neither confirming nor denying his intentions about next season.

Manchester United have approached FIFA to complain about the alleged ‘tapping up’ of their star player, while Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has insisted a deal cannot be done this transfer window.



However, according to the Observer, the deal has already ‘passed the point of no return’, with terms agreed ‘weeks ago’.

An unnamed Manchester United official commented on the rumours and stated that Sir Alex Ferguson is powerless to prevent the transfer from taking place.

The source is reported to have said: “They have been talking for at least two months, and it was all agreed with Real Madrid weeks ago.

All this chat from Ramón Calderón that he does not want to upset Manchester United, and Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be bought because he belongs to another club, is absolute rubbish.

Discussions have gone way beyond the point of no return. Sir Alex Ferguson knows this now so you can imagine how it has gone down.”