Real Madrid could up the ante in their hunt for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo after their Dutch whiz Wesley Sneijder was ruled out for up to six months.
Sneijder, one of the architects of Holland’s thrilling run in Euro 2008, suffered serious knee ligament damage in a friendly match against Arsenal which is set to see the midfielder spend a prolonged stint on the sidelines.
Madrid have been chasing English Premier League player of the year Ronaldo for months, and fullback Michel Salgado said Sneijder’s injury could speed things up.
"We know Cristiano Ronaldo is an incredible player and we don't have any problem with him joining us," Salgado told Agence France-Presse.
"Real Madrid making an offer is normal. Manchester United and (manager Sir Alex) Ferguson don't want this because he is a very important player at United and that is normal too."
"I think they're going to have to talk about this and if Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to Real Madrid the dressing room is waiting for him."