REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez says Cristiano Ronaldo could be a “model” signing, has praised Xabi Alonso and says the club will make a “massive effort” to sign the “great players of the world”.

Madrid have long been linked with a move for the Manchester United star and, despite last month’s denial, there continues to be speculation they already have a deal in place for the 24-year-old.

Perez insists he knows nothing about any such contract which would see Ronaldo move to the Bernabeu for over €80 million, but it is clear he has been impressed by Portuguese player.

He told Spanish television: “I don’t know anything about the story of Cristiano Ronaldo. I only just took charge.

“But what I am sure of is that which seems expensive is the cheapest. In my last era the cheapest was (Zinedine) Zidane, who seemed very expensive because we paid €73 million for him.

“Without knowing who we can get, there will be a massive effort for the great players of the world, because that is the Real Madrid model.”

Madrid have also been heavily linked with Liverpool midfielder Alonso, despite Rafa Benitez insisting he is not for sale.

“As a fan, I would say that Xabi is a great player. I think he is the best passer of the ball in Europe.

“I would be happy (to have him), but I cannot talk about the player without having spoken first to Rafa Benitez, as he is the one who needs to know that we are interested in his player.”