Manchester United chiefs are pushing forward with plans of prising Cristiano Ronaldo away from Real Madrid. The Telegraph says United are continuing to pursue efforts to tempt Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, four years after selling him to Real for a world record £80 million.

Senior figures at United have been given encouragement from the Ronaldo camp that the 28?year?old would consider a return to the club should he leave Real.

While Ronaldo is understood to be open to the prospect of running down his contract to leave as a free agent in 2015, United believe they can prise him from Madrid this summer if he makes it clear to the Spanish club that he will not extend his contract.

Real president Florentino Perez hopes to head off United's efforts by offering to make him the world's highest-paid player with a package in excess of the £330,000 a week earned by Samuel Eto'o at Anzhi Makhachkala.