Ronaldo continues to fuel speculation

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he "wants to play for Real Madrid", according to respected Brazilian website Terra.

Terra claim to have carried out an exclusive interview with the Portugal international in which he said: "I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them.

"However, it does not depend on me."

The interview continued with Ronaldo stating his hope that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.

He added: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all. I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships. Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."

Madrid president Ramon Calderon conceded on Wednesday the signing of Ronaldo "seems impossible" but could now step up attempts to sign the former Sporting Lisbon man.

One player who is keen to be reunited with Ronaldo is Madrid's former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who told Spanish daily paper Marca: "He'd be an important signing for Madrid because this is a club which signs the best players in the world, and that's what Cristiano is.

"Cristiano could bring a lot of things to this club. He's young, he has everything and a long sporting career ahead of him. For Madrid he would be a great signing."