Valencia target Ronaldo

Valencia have declared an interest in signing Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Ronaldo and even tried to sign him before he moved to Old Trafford.

Valencia have continued to keep tabs on the winger and they see the Portuguese international as a key addition to their future plans.

Che president Juan Soler has revealed his interest in Ronaldo and is hoping to talk to United about the 21-year-old.

"I want Valencia to do big things in the Champions League and Cristiano would fit perfectly with these plans," said Soler.

"We will now speak with Manchester United."

Valencia's attempts to sign Ronaldo look set to fall on deaf ears at Old Trafford with the former Sporting Lisbon ace a key component of Sir Alex Ferguson's long-term plans.

Ronaldo only signed a an extension to his contract last summer and United are unlikely to consider any offer for his signature.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed he will be happy to lose money to Ronaldo after having a bet with the tricky winger over the number of goals he would score this season.

Ronaldo bagged his tenth goal of the season in Monday's win at Wigan and although Ferguson backed against him getting 15, he insists he would be more than happy to pay out if the Portuguese international proves him wrong.

"His recent goals mean I might lose my money this season but I'll be happy to lose the bet," said Ferguson.

"I won last year, even though he tried to tell me his FA Cup final penalty counted. I was having none of that.

"You want your great players to be on song all the time and Ronaldo is certainly one of our great players.

"He has had a tough season but I'm pleased his form is coming back. On top of his obvious skill I think his courage is one of his biggest qualities.

"No matter how many times he gets fouled, he just gets back up and wants to receive the ball again. He never hides."