Florentino Pérez and Cristiano Ronaldo are still deep in negotiation, finding a happy balance for both parties in the Portuguese's contract. This is no easy task, as astronomical figures are being bandied around, with the club's budget and the player's happiness in the balance. The player, still with two years left on his present contract, has the upper hand as there is already a club willing to pay €60 million if he decides to walk.

To complicate matters that bit further, Neymar's signing by Barcelona also plays in CR7's favour. The confirmation that the Madrid club made an offer for the young Brazilian and the posterior agreement reached with the Azulgranas has changed the rules of play somewhat.

Real's proposal to the Portuguese goal-machine is a 4 million hike from 10 to 14 million euros. The club is also prepared to revise his publicity rights. The player is pointing out contracts held by other players. His has become very old-hat, especially after seeing that Los Blancos were prepared to pay Neymar €11 million and a 70% share in advertising takings.

Barcelona will in the end pay its new star €8 million and 100% of his publicity rights. It is now Real's turn to make its nº1 star an offer he can't refuse.