Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claims Ronaldo has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid in the summer. Balague claims on his website that Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes have struck a deal with Calderon and not with Florentino Perez, the former Real Madrid president.

That enabled Ronaldo to announce on Monday night: "My agent does not have an agreement with Florentino Perez."

But Balague - and Spanish newspaper AS - say the newly-crowned FIFA World Player of the Year may now request a transfer from Manchester United.