Cristiano Ronaldo accepts a world record £80m bid

Manchester United have performed an incredible about-turn on Cristiano Ronaldo by accepting a world record £80m bid from Real Madrid for the Portuguese winger. Ronaldo, currently on holiday in Los Angeles, has informed Manchester United of his desire to leave Old Trafford for the Bernabeu and the Premier League champions have now granted his wish by allowing him to speak to Real over a transfer.
In a brief statement issued on the club website this morning, United confirmed that they have accepted Real's offer, while stipulating that the deal must be wrapped up by June 30.
The statement said: "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

"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.
"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.
Having failed to prise Ronaldo away from Old Trafford last summer, Real have now stunned United with the size of their offer for the 24 year-old, who cost the Premier League champions £12.2m as a 17-year-old from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
Ronaldo has done little to hide his desire to play for Real and his behaviour towards the end of last season, when he reacted angrily to being substituted against Manchester City at Old Trafford, highlighted cracks in his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. more