04 Jun 2013 22:32:19
Not sure how strong it is, but I've been told twice now by two diffrrent people that Manchester United actually tabled a cheeky mid-range offer to Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo last Wednesday evening. (based on those words I'd guess at around £40m perhaps?).

Interesting, Real turned down the offer and immediately slapped a 3 year contract extension in front of Ronaldo, which he then declined instantly. It seems as though Real are stuck in the middle of something here, as 'should' United now make a 2nd offer, in the knowledge that Cristiano has rejected an extension, it's likely to be less than the initial offer. it seems Real have some thinking to do!

Just for the record, I personally don't believe Ronaldo will return, however I couldn't help but get slightly optimistic when I heard the above twice, from 2 different people.

WF Red Devil

1.) 04 Jun 2013
Who are these two different people? {Ed004's Note - Woodward and Gill}

2.) 04 Jun 2013
One is an ex-Everton player, and the other runs a well known agency for sportsmen in the UK.

WF Red Devil

3.) 05 Jun 2013
Thank you for posting WF. We shall see if it is true, hopefully so.

It seems that despite being a rumours site you have to prove your sources on here now especially if some don't believe it and then additionally if it is a Ronaldo rumour accept that you will receive cynicism and sarcasm for posting it.

Red Man

4.) 05 Jun 2013
Hi Red Man,

Too true, too true. However I think rather than being a good old fashion rumours site, I think some do enjoy just posting their imaginations - hence the need to name a source or reference I suppose.

Again, I personally don't think it will happen (Ronaldo's return). I think 'if' the rumour is true, it might be a case of United just playing clever. Perhaps United actually want a different Madrid player (let's say Di Maria for instance)? Madrid would be far more open to offers for Di Maria, if it mean't United backing off from Ronaldo.

*Note, the last paragraph is conjecture and me just putting 2+2 together*

WF Red Devil

5.) 05 Jun 2013
CR7 wouldn't be allowed to go for 40m. The Sun, for what it's worth, were talking about United offering 65m plus a player - Chico?, that would be a new world record if you price Chico at 20m euros it would be 82m. I think it's just a fantasy and even the amazing CR7 isn't worth that considering he'll be 29 next February.
Mik

6.) 05 Jun 2013
Hi Mik,

Let's say for instance an offer has been tabled, and it is around £40m, this doesn't mean it's intended as a serious offer. In the world of negotiations, this is a classic technique called 'anchoring'. Essentially it's about putting an initial offer that's far below the asset value, in order to try and bring the other party down to your valuation bracket.

However as previously explained, it could simply be a ploy to get Madrid to say "Listen, keep away from Cristiano, and we'll let you take Di Maria for £15m, rather than £20m, which is what we initially wanted".

Right there, and via a simple bid for Ronaldo (which was never a serious offer), United have managed to reduce Di Maria's price by £5m.

Again, the above is pure conjecture and only my thoughts and opinions.

Agree with you though Mik on the fact he's 29 soon, as spending a vast amount on money does seem 'un-business' like. I think it's this that's leading me down the whole 'decrease Di Maria's value' theory.

WF Red Devil