Real 'strike £71m Ronaldo deal'

Real Madrid have struck a £71 million deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, according to a Spanish newspaper



El Pais has reported that both the player and United have signed agreements authorising the world record move, which would take place at the end of the season.

The Portuguese international (pictured, centre) has been a long-term target for the Liga giants, and he has described it as his "dream" to play for them.

However Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, who is contracted to United until 2012, recently said he was happy at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo is a leading target for Florentino Perez, the favourite to win Real's presidential elections this summer.

In his first spell as club president, Perez broke the world transfer record twice to sign Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane, and also brought David Beckham and Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

However, Tuesday's Madrid-based sports daily Marca said the Perez camp had identified Milan playmaker Kaka (pictured, right) as their primary transfer target because "he is less expensive and this would allow him to recruit more players".

Marca said that, in addition to the Brazilian, Real would sign two more high-profile players which could include Ronaldo, France winger Franck Ribery (pictured, left) and Spain striker David Villa.