Manchester United have accepted a world-record £80 million bid for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

A statement on the United website said:

"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."

The news comes after days of speculation, which began with the re-election of Fiorentino Perez. Ronaldo has been linked to Real Madrid constantly, and the news of this signing comes just days after the Madrid side announced the signing of Kaka.

The mooted deal is expected to smash the existing world record for a transfer deal, the £45.6 million Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane.