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United and Real Madrid have spent the past 12 days negotiating an £80m package – and the Premier League champions are increasingly confident of getting their man.David Moyes made his move two weeks ago when the club heard through the grapevine Madrid had stepped up their interest in signing Gareth Bale.And for the first time they found their Spanish rivals prepared to negotiate after the player told them he would be interested in returning to England.New United chief executive Ed Woodward made contact with Real president Florentino Perez in the knowledge Ronaldo had yet to agree and extension to his current deal at the Bernabau which has just two years left to run.

Starsport understands Perez then sought assurances Ronaldo would commit to the new deal – and was stunned to learn he was keen on returning to Manchester instead.

That forced them to open up to United’s advances, knowing they would only get a fraction of the fee for one of the world’s best players if he stayed another season.

It also explains why they are prepared to break the world record to ensure they clinch the signing of Tottenham star Bale in an effort to appease fans worried by Ronaldo’s departure.

United have been happy to talk openly about their interest in Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with speculation surrounding that transfer meaning work on the Ronaldo move could be done without fuss in the background.

In a highly complicated package, Starsport understands some of the money in terms of wages will be offset by American car giants General Motors making the Portugal star their global ambassador.Chevrolet, owned by GM, become United’s principal club sponsors at the end of the season and see Ronaldo as the ideal man to boost their image globally, and in North and South America during World Cup year.

Kit manufacturers Nike have also been kept informed, as Ronaldo is one of their main sporting ambassadors.

The bid for Real ace is one of the reasons why Wayne Rooney’s proposed move to Chelsea has been held up.

Despite public claims they do not want to sell the wantaway England star, United would be willing to do business once they can get in a marquee signing of their own.