Ronaldo transfer saga rears up again

THE CRISTIANO Ronaldo saga resurfaced yesterday when a Real Madrid director was quoted as saying that Manchester United had agreed to allow the Portuguese winger to move to the Bernabeu next summer.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, only a confidentiality clause prevents Madrid from announcing the deal, while it also claims that other directors have privately leaked the news too.

The newspaper published a conversation between Real Madrid director Pedro Trapote and a "very close confidant" which it claims took place two days ago.

Trapote said: "It is better not to say anything because there are clauses that prevent us from announcing it right now. For us it would be the right moment (to go public) but we shouldn't do so."

Doubts remain, however, after the Madrid president, Ramon Calderon, himself privately briefed that Ronaldo's transfer was a certainty last summer only for him to remain at Old Trafford.

Michael Owen has determined not to reject Newcastle United's offer of a new contract without giving the idea of remaining on Tyneside beyond next summer serious thought. That said, the England striker, is unlikely to make up his mind any time soon and seems destined to enter the January transfer window with the document unsigned.

During January Owen, whose current Newcastle deal runs out in June, will be free to talk to other clubs about the possibilities they might offer him but yesterday a source close to the England striker suggested he was keeping all options open.

"These things are not done overnight," explained the source. "Despite what some reports may say, Michael has not rejected Newcastle United's new offer.

"He is letting his advisers look at the financial aspects even though he knows some of the figures which are being bandied about are wide of the mark."

Like Owen, Shola Ameobi and Steve Harper, Nicky Butt's current contract also runs out in June but the 33-year-old former England midfielder is understood to be poised to sign a contract extension which will keep him at St James' Park for a further 12 months.

Meanwhile, Marton Fulop, Sunderland's goalkeeper, has urged Niall Quinn, the club's chairman, to make Ricky Sbragia, Roy Keane's permanent replacement.