Ronaldo wants out

Ronaldo has been in contact with a candidate for Real's presidential elections on July 2, Juan Miguel Villar Mir, and is willing to open negotiations should Villar Mir win.

"I have told my agent I am prepared to leave. I want to do it in the best manner possible. I want to play for Real Madrid and dream of doing so," Ronaldo was reported as saying in the Spanish sports daily Marca.

"I have gone with Villar Mir's project because it is serious and follows correct procedures. They have explained to me their plans and the next step is they will talk to Manchester United to open negotiations.

"Other candidates wanted me to sign a document which is not legal. Villar Mir has promised me he will talk to the club and all we have done is talk through an agent."

Villar Mir told a news conference on Tuesday: "Everything with Ronaldo is true as he has said himself. We are acting within FIFA guidelines.

"Manchester know we are talking to him. We are approaching this issue through the front door."

That may be so, but perhaps the door bell is broken because United denied having had any contact with Villar Mir.

"Manchester United is astonished with Villar Mir comments," the club said in a statement.

"There has been no contact between Manchester United, his election team and/or Real Madrid and any suggestion there has is incorrect.

"Unfortunately these tactics seem to be a common occurrence in elections of this nature.

"Ronaldo has signed a long term contract until June 2010 and will be a player with Manchester United next season."

Ronaldo may have other ideas, but for the time being, the player wants to focus on the job in hand, namely his country's success at the World Cup.

"I think Real and United have had a great relationship over a long period of time, and I hope everything turns out well for everyone.

"But for now all I am interested in is the World Cup and I don't want to be distracted."

Ronaldo's sometimes overly flair game - both infuriating and exhilarating in equal measures - would be more suited to La Liga than the rough and tumble Premiership, and manager Alex Ferguson could yet be willing to cash in on the starlet if he does not want to stay at Old Trafford.