New Real chief: Cristiano Ronaldo is a bargain at £70m

New Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to reignite a row with Manchester United after saying Cristiano Ronaldo would be the ideal player for his club and he would not be put off by his hefty price tag.

United reported Real to FIFA last year over their pursuit of the Portugal international, led by the Spanish club's former president Ramon Calderon.

Although Real denied last month they were still interested in the 24‑year-old there continues to be speculation they already have a deal in place.

Perez insists he knows nothing about any such contract which would see Ronaldo move to Spain for more than £70million but he believes it would be money well spent.

"I don't know anything about the story of Cristiano Ronaldo — I only just took charge," he said. "But what I am sure of is that which seems expensive is the cheapest. In my last era the cheapest was Zinedine Zidane, who seemed very expensive because we paid 73m euros for him.

Without knowing who we can get, there will be a massive effort for the great players of the world, because that is the Real Madrid model."

Perez laughed off suggestions that Ronaldo's fierce temper could affect his form at the Bernabeu. He said: "I have not seen anything about him that would prohibit him from playing at Real Madrid.

"I have seen him get angry because he wants to win and because of his competitive spirit.
"The information I have on him says that he is an example on the pitch, a model."

Perez also revealed that around 10 players could be on their way out of Madrid to make way for signings by Manuel Pellegrini, who was appointed coach yesterday.