Real Madrid will try to land United hero Ronaldo next summer

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More United news

President Ramon Calderon has reluctantly conceded he has little chance of signing Manchester United's free-scoring winger this summer but is adamant a deal must be done in time for the 09-10 campaign.

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Flying machine: Ronaldo skips away from the Roma defence in the Champions League tie

It promises to be a momentous season for the Spanish giants, as it starts with a presidential election and ends with the Bernabeu stadium staging the Champions League final.

Calderon is determined to emerge triumphant on both occasions and sees Ronaldo's arrival as essential for pulling off a notable double.

The race to be president often hinges on candidates' transfer plans, and Calderon is convinced that unveiling Ronaldo as his prize capture would swing the vote his way.

He is just as sure the 23-year old would make all the difference to his dream of Real lifting the European Cup in front of their own fans in 2010.

Despite claims on a Madrid radio station that a 120million euro bid for Ronaldo was imminent, it is understood funds are currently in short supply at the Bernabeu and that Calderon is exploring ways of generating extra finance in readiness for a raid on Old Trafford in a year's time.

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has made recent visits to United and attended the Champions League quarter-final win over Roma, amid continuing suggestions the most lucrative contract in world football is awaiting the flying midfielder's signature.

Despite the rumours, and growing interest from Real, United remained unperturbed about their prize asset's future yesterday and insisted there were no plans to replace a contract that runs until 2012.

Even so, it is understood there will be talks over increasing Ronaldo's weekly wage from around £65,000 to over £90,000 before he heads for this summer's European Championships.

Though United point to Ronaldo still being in the first year of his current agreement, they are prepared to acknowledge his huge contribution to this season's quest for a Champions League and Premier League double and will elevate his earnings to a similar level to Rio Ferdinand's.

It will not stop Calderon pressing ahead, though, with an ambitious scheme to secure Ronaldo as the ticket to another term in office.