Manchester United have slapped a £75 million price-tag on Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo.
A leading agent told the Daily Express: "A few days ago, as the transfer window opened, Real Madrid made it plain they would pay 60m euros (£44.3m), but Manchester United's response was emphatic.
"They told Real not to come back with anything less than 100m euros (£73.9m) - and even then there is no guarantee that they would take it."
Whether the initial 'offer' and the reply came from agents rather than directly from the clubs is debatable. But there is no doubt Real want Ronaldo - badly enough to break the record fee.
The wealthiest club in the world may balk at more than £70m for Ronaldo, but it is certain they are ready to offer in excess of £50m for the Portuguese wonder boy, as their first approach is merely an opening gambit.
