Manchester United and Manchester City are already being linked with unsettled Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester Evening News says United and City were on red alert last night as news of a rift between Ronaldo and Real Madrid emerged following the Spanish champions 3-0 win over Granada.

"I'm sad because of a professional issue and the club know why," he said. "That's why I didn't celebrate the goals, because I'm not happy. The people [at the club] know why.

"I won't talk about this any more and I will concentrate on Portugal for now. There are more important things.

"The people at the club know about this. I can't say any more."

Sir Alex Ferguson - who reluctantly allowed Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford in 2009 - would relish the opportunity to work with the prodigious talent again.

Rivals City will also monitor the situation - and will feel they have the financial clout to back up their interest.