RONALDO

Last updated : 12 July 2006 By Ed

The Sun:

Cristiano Ronaldo has snubbed Alex Ferguson in his bid to quit Manchester United.

Old Trafford boss Fergie spent 24 hours trying desperately to contact the Portugal star.

But the winking winger switched off his mobile and failed to return calls from his boss or United board members.


The Mirror:

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent flew into England last night, intent on thrashing out the controversial winger's long-term future.

And while Manchester United are still desperately hoping that they can persuade the Portugal international to stay at Old Trafford, boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already made a start on finding a replacement for him.

Ronaldo has had talks with United number two Carlos Queiroz, where he reiterated his desire to move abroad, with Real Madrid or Barcelona his favoured destination.

Queiroz will meet the player's agent, Jorge Mendez today, along with chief executive David Gill, as they attempt to ease fears that the 21-year-old will be a marked man in the Premiership following his role in Wayne Rooney's World Cup dismissal.

They will also point out that the winger still has four years left on his contract, and will go nowhere without United's blessing.

But beneath that tough stance, officials at the club know that if Ronaldo sticks to his guns - and has a club to go to - then there is nothing they can do to prevent him from leaving.