VAN NISTELROOY

Last updated : 27 June 2004 By Editor

Holland win on penalties after a drab match. Ruud scores his penalty.

RVN:

"It was unbelievably tough. I knew I would take the first penalty and I just wanted to start the right way."

"I knew we had to set the record straight because we have such a bad history of penalties."

This from The People:

Real Madrid are on the brink of a sensational £33million deal for Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Talks have reached an advanced stage between Spanish officials and van Nistelrooy's Dutch-based advisers and now they are just waiting for the 28-year-old star to rubber-stamp the deal.

If Old Trafford's hierarchy accept Madrid's offer, it will pave the way for England hot-shot Wayne Rooney to become a Manchester United star in a player-plus-cash deal that will secure Everton's financial future.