Real Madrid to lure away Ronaldo from Man U

MADRID: Real Madrid would be willing to make Cristiano Ronaldo their third biggest ever signing if they can lure him away from Manchester United.

According to a Spanish press report on Thursday the on-fire United striker tops Real sport director Predrag Mijatovic's summer shopping list.

United would likely spurn any approach for the popular 21-year-old Portugal international, but according to Diario AS newspaper the Spanish giants would be willing to pay United 50 million euros ($65 million) to let him go.

That would make Ronaldo the club's third most expensive signing ever, after Zinedine Zidane ($94 million) and Luis Figo ($72 million).

AS said the highly marketable Ronaldo would easily fill the role left by departing former England captain David Beckham, both on and off the park.

Barcelona has also been linked with Ronaldo, and any interest from the reigning Spanish champions could drive the fee even higher.

Ronaldo's contract at Old Trafford runs out in 2010, and United's assistant boss Carlos Queiroz said recently the club is already planning to start negotiations on extending that deal.