AS says Real president Ramon Calderon's phone never stopped buzzing yesterday morning as club powerbrokers and supporters sought his reaction from Blatter's amazing comments.

Blatter is a close friend of Calderon and a supporter of Madrid - and Real directors are convinced his intervention will be the final twist of the arm needed for United to come to the negotiating table.

Indeed, the timing of Blatter's comments have been welcomed by Real's board as they believe the next two weeks will be critical in deciding whether Ronaldo pulls on a white shirt next season.

One AS columnist, Joaquin Maroto, acknowledged that Blatter's statements came from the FIFA president's concerns that the Premiership was hoarding the world's best talent and becoming increasingly dominant in the Champions League.