Worst transfer rumour of the week: Real seek Ronaldo "escape clause"...

Here go again, summer is just around the corner and so we must now prepare ourselves for the usual collection of half-truths and downright lies, otherwise known as transfer rumours. I must admit, I nearly fell off my chair when I read this one which comes to us courtesy of guillembalague.com because after spending the last couple of seasons trying to sign Ronaldo, according to the aforementioned rumour spreading website, we are now being told that Real Madrid are exploring ways in which to escape from an agreement with Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes.

This story goes back to last summer when rumour had it that Ronaldo was about to join Real Madrid - a deal that would have been subject to the small matter of Fergie allowing the player to leave. However, the original agreement was supposedly struck with Real Madrid's former president Ramon Calderon, who could soon be replaced by Florentino Perez and the latest spin on this particular story suggests that the Spanish club do not want Ronaldo because basically the deal would be too expensive.

So then we are being told that Madrid are talking to their lawyers in a bid to find a get out clause; well here's one for them, assuming for one moment that the document actually exists (which I personally seriously doubt) .... "The original deal would not have been legally binding because Ronaldo was still a United player and under contract".

The problem is sections of the media know full well they can create speculation without fear of any comeback, because from time to time the clubs will use the media to unsettle big star names. Real Madrid are world renowned for this typ of underhand scheming.

United fans are fully aware of Ronaldo's desire to join Real Madrid at some point, but as far as this summer goes it looks increasingly unlikely.

Over the next few weeks I will do my best to bring you the latest news on transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United, the worst rumour of the week will be well and truly slated as is the case with this latest effort from guillembalague.com.