Manchester United are furious with Real Madrid claims that they have a deal for Cristiano Ronaldo. Real director Pedro Trapote reportedly told Spanish newspaper El Mundo a deal had been struck, but added "there are clauses keeping us from announcing it".

BBC Radio Manchester says the news has been greeted with anger by United officials, who have rubbished the claims "with pretty colourful language".

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has met the latest public claims from Real with "utter disbelief".

The latest twist in the Real Madrid-Ronaldo story could well open wounds between the clubs following the acrimonious dealings between United and the Spanish giants over the summer.

Real's public pursuit of the 23-year-old ended with United complaining to Fifa over their conduct, with Ferguson claiming they had shown "a lack of morals".