Marca says United are ready price Ronaldo out of a move to Madrid by demanding £35 million cash, plus stars Robinho, Sergio Ramos and Mahamadou Diarra all in exchange. On the open market, the trio would command fees in excess of £60 million in total.

United will make it clear to Real that if they're so determined to prise the world's best player away from Old Trafford, they will have to suffer in the process by giving up three stars who all have their best days well in front of them.