Ronaldo makes Madrid claim - report

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he "wants to play for Real Madrid," according to respected Brazilian website Terra.

Terra claim to have carried out an exclusive interview with the Portugal international in which he said: "I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them.

"However, it does not depend on me."

The interview continued with Ronaldo stating his hope that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.

He added to Terra: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.

"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships. Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."

Should the report prove correct then it would be a huge blow to United who have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the 2008/09 campaign.

Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last season.

It could also spark a major row between United and Madrid with the Red Devils stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.