Abu Dhabi boss plans $240mn Ronaldo swoop

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TOP TARGET: Man City are prepared to pay $240 million in a bid to sign Ronaldo in January. (Getty Images)

New Manchester City boss Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim is considering a $240 million bid for Manchester United superstar Ronaldo during the next transfer window in January, Arabian Business can reveal.

Al Fahim – who through Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment has taken control of the club – has outlined his “dream team” in an interview to be published in Arabian Business magazine on Sunday.

The Hydra Properties CEO, who has already beaten Chelsea to the signature of Brazilian star Robinho in a $61mn swoop, revealed that snatching Ronaldo from arch rivals Manchester United is the top priority.

“Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious.

"Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160 million but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more, I would think $240 million.

"But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.”

In the interview, conducted moments after the historic signing of the deal to buy the club, Al Fahim also reveals his wish list – Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas are also seen as potential targets.

“We’re not just going to spend money on anyone, but if we can get the biggest players in the world, and of course if the manager wants them, then we will get them,” he said.

It is thought a transfer fund totalling $450 million has been allocated for the next two seasons, by which time is “expected” that the club will be as successful on the pitch as Manchester United and Chelsea.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Yeah right....
Posted by Vishal, Dubai, UAE on Thursday 4 September 2008 at 10:44 UAE time

So typical of the nouveau riche attitude that they think anything under the sun has a price tag....Ronaldo may eventually leave United but he won't be swapping red for blue....if his behaviour over the summer showed us anything, it's that he's looking for a 'glamourous' environment where he can show off more than just his triple-sidesteps...

With Berbatov on board, it's all good :-)

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