Manchester City's prospective new owners are planning a whopping 240-million-dollar bid for crosstown rival's ace, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sulaiman Al Fahim, who has fronted the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), believes that City must pursue players of the caliber of Ronaldo if the Premiership club aims to emerge as a formidable force in European soccer.
The ADUG, which enjoys the support of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, confirmed on Monday that it had begun the take over process at City.
Al Fahim, who will travel to the UK this week to hold talks with Premier League officials before concluding the US$460 million takeover, said the club seeks to bring in a 'minimum' of 18 players.
"Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious," he said.
"Real Madrid was 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," the Middle Eastern businessman continued.
In a shock to the soccer world, the Citizens captured Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Robinho on September 1 in a record transfer fee for Britain - 58.5 million dollars.
Robinho had long been targeted by Chelsea and its billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. In light of poor relations between the two clubs, Madrid had rejected Chelsea's initial $46.8 million.
Sulaiman Al Fahim, who has fronted the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), believes that City must pursue players of the caliber of Ronaldo if the Premiership club aims to emerge as a formidable force in European soccer.
The ADUG, which enjoys the support of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, confirmed on Monday that it had begun the take over process at City.
Al Fahim, who will travel to the UK this week to hold talks with Premier League officials before concluding the US$460 million takeover, said the club seeks to bring in a 'minimum' of 18 players.
"Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious," he said.
"Real Madrid was 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," the Middle Eastern businessman continued.
In a shock to the soccer world, the Citizens captured Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Robinho on September 1 in a record transfer fee for Britain - 58.5 million dollars.
Robinho had long been targeted by Chelsea and its billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. In light of poor relations between the two clubs, Madrid had rejected Chelsea's initial $46.8 million.
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