According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have agreed to pay Manchester United 82.7m pounds to sign current World and European player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports from El Mundo Deportivo suggest the two clubs have agreed the deal and have even sent out their club doctor and a representative to meet with the Portuguese star who is currently holidaying in Los Angeles.

The newspaper also suggest the transfer fee will supposedly be paid over six years in a number of instalments.

Real Madrid general director Jorge Valdano has also claimed the club are already in negotiations with United over Ronaldo.

"I can't answer any questions about him," he told TVE. "I can only talk about players who are on their way here, not about those we are in negotiations over.

"He is a great professional, he dedicates a very great deal of time to his work. He is a great footballer and a very good professional."