Real bid 80 million pounds for Ronaldo

Manchester United said on Thursday they have received a world record 80 million pound bid for forward Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

According to reports the club has accepted the offer from Real.

The Portuguese winger has been insisting to join the Spanish giants after two years of courting.

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player," a statement on the United website said.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

The move comes just four days after Kaka was confirmed as the first signing of what will be a incredible summer of spending from Madrid.

Sources said the deal was agreed when Ramon Calderon was at the helm of affairs at the Santiago Bernebeu and  the new president Florentino Perez has merely ensured the formalities are completed.

Perez has promised to deliver a "spectacular sporting project" built around the world's greatest players, and local media have spoken of a 300 million euro war chest which will be used to finance a second 'Galactico era' at the Bernabeu.

Having lured the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham to Real earlier in the decade, Perez's flagship first signing on his return was Kaka.

It was a declaration of intent and a dig at his predecessor.

He has also spoken of interest in Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Valencia duo David Villa and David Silva.

New coach Manuel Pellegrini is the man tasked with blending these talents into a team capable of challenging treble-winners Barcelona.