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United star setf or £80m exit
Manchester United, 10:00, June 11, 2009 ,
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given permission to speak to Real Madrid after Manchester United accepted a world record £80million bid.
The Spanish giants have led a year-long chase for the Portugal international's signature and only this week president Florentino Perez vowed he would do "everything possible" to take the 24-year-old world player of the year to the Bernabeu.
Old Trafford officials revealed the former Sporting Lisbon favourite - who joined the Premier League champions for over £12million in the summer of 2003 - had asked to leave and that they expect his transfer to Spain's capital club to be wrapped up by the end of June.
A statement on United's official club website read: "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid."
The statement continued: "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 June 30. The club will not comment until further notice."
Real earlier this week signed Brazil superstar Kaka for a reported £56m, surpassing the previous world record fee of £45.6million they paid for France legend Zinedine Zidane in 2001.