Sun Jul 6 18:13:51 2008

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Real's Calderon expects Ronaldo to stay at Man U

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon has dropped a major hint that he expects Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Old Trafford next season.

Calderon has been desperate to try and lure the Portugal winger to the Bernabeu this summer, but appears to have finally given up the ghost with Ronaldo set to undergo surgery on an ankle problem.

"Ronaldo has said he would like to play here, that it is a dream, that he would be excited to come to Real Madrid," he told Marca. "But it is a desire of the player which cannot be carried out without Manchester's agreement. Manchester has to want it.

"Once they decide to sell him and communicate this, we can say we are talking about a possible transfer. But as of today that is not happening.

"Theoretically we still have time, there are still two months left until the end of August if Manchester gets in touch with Real Madrid and makes an offer.

"The most probable outcome as of today is that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to play for Manchester United next year."

Meanwhile, United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has dropped a major hint that he could be about to leave Old Trafford to become the new coach of the Portugal national team.

Queiroz is being lined up as the successor to Luiz Felipe Scolari and the United number two is clearly tempted by the role.

He told the Portuguese media: "I can say little more at this time. Currently, the matter is out of my hands.

"From my part, there is not much to say, it needs to be resolved between the Portuguese football federation and Manchester United.

"We must wait calmly. I have spoken with the two parties and now I wait for movement."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)