Madrid in negotiations with Manchester United

Real Madrid are already in negotiations with Manchester United over Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports in Spain suggest that new Madrid president Florentino Perez has been in talks with the Barclays Premier League club and are on the verge of breaking their own world record transfer, in euros terms, set just a few days ago for Kaka, to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

Valdano's comments will only serve to add fuel to the speculation that the Spanish giants have upped their efforts to sign the Portugal winger.

"I can't answer any questions about him," he told TVE. "I can only talk about players who are on their way here, not about those we are in negotiations over.

"He is a great professional, he dedicates a very great deal of time to his work. He is a great footballer and a very good professional."

Ronaldo has been enjoying the close season, spending time in Sardinia and Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old obviously enjoys the trappings of his fame, but Valdano insists he is still the perfect player for Madrid.