Surely there is something more than just rumour afoot regarding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. As the rumours continue unabated, and with Ronaldo himself refusing to quell the stories linking him to Real Madrid, speculation inevitably grows and it is still a distinct possibility that the brilliant Portuguese striker/winger will join the Spanish giants. Sir Alex Ferguson has said, very loudly, that Ronaldo is simply not for sale and if ‘push came to shove’, then Ronaldo would sit out next season in the stands. That of course will not happen no matter how this ongoing saga is concluded, but it indicates that United do not want to lose their superstar.

Real Madrid themselves, who have a history of shenanigans in the transfer market, say that they are patient, but have also made it very clear that Ronaldo is their number one target and whilst that remains the case then Ronaldo, Sir Alex and the Manchester United fans will not get any rest. The Spaniards are used to getting their man and it seems that sooner or later they will succeed with Ronaldo.

One rumour that has done the rounds is the one where he told friends in confidence that he will do whatever is necessary to engineer a way out of United and make the move to the Bernabau. How true that is no-one really knows but other rumours also persist that he has no desire to play another long season in the Premier League. That is understandable, particularly with UEFA Champions League fixtures to contest as well.

Miguel Arroyo, Managing Director of Real Madrid has said that they will wait for Ronaldo to initiate the necessary move but until he does so they will remain patient. Figures such as £60m have been banded about for Ronaldo’s signature and Sir Alex and his superiors at Old Trafford must weigh up whether £60m outweighs an unhappy player on the books.

Ronaldo says he will make a statement regarding his future after Euro 2008, the very fact that he is doing this suggests that there is still something in the air, surely, if his plans are to stay with United then it would have been easier for him to publicly and unequivocally state that, thus removing the distraction and allowing him to concentrate on his football for his country. Now that Portugal are out of the Tournament he has no further excuses; he must declare his intention. That is of course if he has not sneaked out the back door and gone for a much needed holiday.

Those interested in the saga should keep their eyes peeled on the online football betting which will also gather momentum as this next few days unfold.