Real swoop for Ronaldo

06-12-2009 | AFP

Ronaldo has long been a target for the Spanish team, which offered a record bid

Panama Star MANCHESTER, ENGLAND. Manchester United have agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record $132 million.

"Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of 80 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid," said a statement on its website, under the headline "Reds accept £80m Ronaldo bid."

The statement continued: "At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by June 30. The club will not comment until further notice."

Real confirmed they had approached United with a bid for Ronaldo but gave no indication of the fee involved.

Ronaldo has long been a target for the Spanish giants, whose recently-returned president Florentino Perez vowed earlier this week to do "everything possible" to take the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu.