Real play waiting game

Madrid losing patience with Ronaldo saga

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 28th July 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United Champions League Dynamo Kiev

Ronaldo: Real's top target

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Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster admits the Cristiano Ronaldo saga is playing havoc with the club's transfer plans.

The Primera Liga champions have been chasing the Manchester United ace all summer, but appear no closer to securing the signature of their No.1 target.

Despite being prepared to offer a record-breaking transfer fee for the winger, their Premier League counterparts are reluctant to part with the talismanic playmaker.

Ronaldo, though, has done little to help the situation with his reluctance to commit himself to either club.

With a long-term contract at Old Trafford, and with Sir Alex Ferguson making it clear that he is unwilling to do business, it is growing increasingly likely that he will begin the 2008/09 season in England.

Decision

Schuster concedes that Real cannot afford to wait much longer for the Portugal international to arrive in Spain, and admits that the club have already identified alternative targets.

"As all the world knows, we are interested in signing a player like Ronaldo," he said.

"But it seems as if he won't finish deciding, and all the rest depends on that.

"If this doesn't work out we have other alternatives, but everything depends on how it finishes with Cristiano Ronaldo."