The Portuguese winger still has over three years left on his
current £120,000-a-week deal. However, a FIFA ruling means he can
buy himself out of his contract at the end of next season. So
United are ready to offer him a staggering £150,000-a-week deal
next summer to keep him out of the Spanish champions’ clutches.
Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Next summer will be a
key element of his contract situation — he will have three years
left then. “Nobody (at Manchester United) has ever bought himself
out of his contract. I don’t think it will be an issue.”
FIFA’s Article 17 states a player can buy himself out of his
contract by paying up his wages once he has served three years of
his deal. This would allow Ronaldo to pay a £12m compensation fee
and then hot- foot it to the Bernabeu.
But United chief executive David Gill plans to open talks with
Ronaldo, 23, at the end of this season over a deal worth nearly
£150,000 a week. And in a pop at Real president Ramon Calderon,
Fergie added: “There is no question of Ronaldo leaving.
“Calderon promised everyone they would get the lad in the
summer. There was a complete arrogance about it. So I was delighted
Ronaldo stayed. “We are ready for more shots. We have enough
ammunition ready.”