OFFICIAL: Manchester United Accept World Record Real Madrid Bid For Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United have confirmed they have accepted a world-record bid from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo after he once again asked to leave the club.

Madrid have been courting the Portuguese international for two seasons after he stated it is his dream to play for the Spanish giants, but United had rebuffed a series of overtures made by former Madrid president, Ramon Calderon.

Now, Los Galacticos mastermind Florentino Perez has retaken office at the Santiago Bernabeu and vowed several star signings, having already begun with Kaka coming from Milan on Monday for around €65 million, the second highest transfer fee of all time behind the €73m paid by Madrid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

With a world record fee in the region of €94m agreed, it is widely expected that negotiations with the player - who asked to leave, despite promising to stay all season - will not be protracted.

The deal is expected to be concluded by the end of the month, if not sooner.

An official Manchester United statement read, "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid."

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com