Real move would scupper Ronaldo's 25m Nike deal

Sportsmail can reveal that Manchester United, who will report Real to FIFA next week for their public pursuit of Ronaldo, are working on a complicated image rights deal with the club's kit manufacturer for a 'CR7' range in an attempt to appease the winger.

Michael Jordan was the first high-profile name to make a fortune this way when he launched his range and Tiger Woods has a 10-year deal with Nike worth £50m.

Ronaldo tastes Champions League glory with United - but if he moves to Madrid he faces losing £25m

United's non- executive director Bryan Glazer, who was closely involved with the deal for shirt sponsor AIG, is in negotiations with Nike over a contract that could be worth another £100,000 a week to the Portugal winger.

The contract is expected to run concurrent with his existing £120,000-a-week package at Old Trafford and will effectively top the £200,000 a week on offer at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo, who has changed his signature simply to 'CR7', can market baseball caps, T-shirts and shorts around the world to capitalise on his growing status.

Nike, who already have an endorsement contract with Ronaldo, are keen to exploit his name but are reluctant to launch the range if he moves to 'an adidas club' such as Real.

United remain resolute in their desire to keep the Portugal winger and sources at Old Trafford confirmed they will report Real to FIFA after the Spanish club's president, Ramon Calderon, made yet another declaration of intent yesterday.

United had warned Madrid they would act if they did not stop their pursuit of the 23-year-old and were incensed when Calderon responded to a suggestion from Ronaldo that he was ready to leave United.

Calderon said: 'For Madrid, it is an honour to know that a player like him thinks that playing at Real Madrid would be good. We are proud to know that he would like to be with us.'

United are expected to make their complaint on Monday, bringing the relationship between the two super powers to an all-time low.

FIFA must then decide whether Real have been guilty of making an illegal approach to Ronaldo.

If they do, a fine is the only likely punishment, but United have decided to act on a point of principle.

United are furious Calderon has effectively ignored two attempts - one public and one private - to shut him up and chief executive David Gill has also reacted angrily to suggestions that Ronaldo may be able to railroad the Barclays Premier League champions into giving him a new contract.

It is understood Gill turned the air blue yesterday when he heard that Ronaldo's stance was being viewed in some quarters as an elaborate negotiating tactic.

United even called Sky Sports News to stop them perpetuating the rumour and it is clear Ronaldo is going to have to submit a transfer request or accept he must stay at the club.