Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is key to Real Madrid's bid for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.

The Argentina international could be the winger signing that Real coach Juande Ramos is demanding - if his agent, Jorge Mendes, is prepared to drop the youngster's asking price.

Mendes' management company, Gestifute, owns 30 per cent of Di Maria's registration and with a buyout clause of £22 million, Real sports chief Pedja Mijatovic is ready to call in a favour.

Mijatovic and Mendes have a good relationship, with the Portuguese also representing Ronaldo.

Given the controversy over Real's summer pursuit of Ronaldo, Mijatovic plans to call in a favour from Mendes and demand he drop his asking price for Di Maria as compensation.