Real Madrid are determined to test Manchester United's resolve over
Cristiano Ronaldo - next year.
The Daily Mail says 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 2009/10 campaign.
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.
Despite the rumours, and growing interest from Real, United remained unperturbed about their prize asset's future on Monday 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.