Bale of the Century

Manchester United is ready to smash the world transfer record to prove there is life after Alex Ferguson.

The Glazers will hand new boss David Moyes more money than ever before to land Cristiano Ronaldo OR Gareth Bale.

Ronaldo yesterday opened the door to a return to Old Trafford by insisting his future at Real Madrid is far from certain.

But if he signs a new deal at Real, Moyes is set to splash a record £85million to land Tottenham’s double Footballer of the Year, Bale.

United’s American owners are determined the club will continue to be a major European force despite Fergie’s retirement.

Ronaldo, 28, remains United’s No 1 target and yesterday tweeted: “All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false.”

It suggests Ronaldo is irritated by Madrid president Florentino Perez claiming the Portuguese superstar will be staying at Real.

Perez said: “I’d bet Cristiano will retire at Madrid because it’s the natural thing.”

Ronaldo has two years left on his Real deal but his tweet made it clear he could be available.

And United would be prepared to beat the record £80m they received from Real for Ronaldo in 2009.

Spurs are desperate to keep Bale, 23, but a world record fee would be impossible to reject. The Welshman is also wanted by Real and Paris Saint-Germain.

And United believe Bale moving to Real would trigger Ron’s release. United’s record buy is Dimitar Berbatov, who cost £30.75m in 2007

MUM: Edinson is in Man City talks; DAD: My lad wants to join Madrid!

Manchester City and Real Madrid have opened talks over Edinson Cavani — the striker’s MUM last night revealed.

But City’s hopes of sealing a deal for the £54million goal machine took a dent when the star’s DAD claimed he will pick Real.

Cavani, 26, who was top scorer in Serie A last term with 29 goals, is one of European football’s hottest properties.

Chelsea were also linked to the Uruguay international but only City and Real have tabled firm bids.

Cavani’s mother Berta Gomez told a Montevideo radio station: “Edi is in talks with Manchester City and Real Madrid.

“Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has spoken about the possibility of discussions with Chelsea but there is nothing definite with them at the moment.

“We will know more in 15 to 20 days. There are so many voices, and when something happens I will be the first to know.

“But Edi loves Napoli and, if he has to leave, he will never forget the love and warmth he has had from the fans. He and Naples will remain united for ever.”

But his dad Luis Cavani added: “His intention is to play for Madrid.

“He is excited about it and is very willing to see it through.

“He has told the family in private that he wants to join Real Madrid but if he declares it publicly it will annoy Napoli.

“I hope it happens and that talks take place as soon as possible. Who wouldn’t want to play for Real Madrid?”

Nani Could be for Hire

Nani will call David Moyes tomorrow before making an announcement on his future in the next couple of days.

The Manchester United winger is a £12million target for Monaco, Galatasaray and Napoli.

Talks over a new deal at United have stalled amid speculation linking him with a move away.

It is not yet clear whether he has a place in new boss Moyes’ plans.

And the Portuguese star, 26, said: “I have not yet decided where I am going or if I am going.

“I do not want to speak about rumours but I will decide my future in the next few days.”

Nani’s case for staying is not helped by the £15m signing of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace and the return to fitness of Ashley Young.

The Portuguese slipped down United’s pecking order after Alex Ferguson regularly left him on the sidelines.

Nani has stated he wants a £6m-a-year salary if he is to leave Old Trafford.

But that will not worry Turkish giants Galatasaray or moneybags Monaco, who are bankrolled by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.

The 2004 Champions League finalists gazumped Manchester City, United and Chelsea to land Radamel Falcao for £51m.

Monaco have also splashed out £60m on Porto duo James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.

Nani, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon for £14m in 2007, made just seven league starts last season.

Last night, Wayne Rooney was urged to quit United for Paris Saint-Germain by Brazil defender Thiago Silva.

England ace Roo, 27, is a £25m target for the French champs and Arsenal.

PSG star Silva, 28, said: “He’s a great player. I hope he can come to PSG.”

Galatasaray Wants Mikel

JOHN OBI MIKEL is wanted by Turkish champions Galatasaray in a £13million deal.

The Nigerian midfielder only signed a new five-year contract in December and has never expressed any desire to leave London.

But the return of Jose Mourinho has cast doubts over Mikel’s long-term future and opened the door for Galatasaray to make their move.

Mikel, 26, bought for £16m eight years ago, fell out with Mourinho over his poor time-keeping during the Special One’s first spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

And he was rarely regarded as more than a back-up squad player for Claude Makelele and Michael Essien.

Now Mikel faces a battle to prove he is a changed character after struggling to convince interim boss Rafa Benitez last season.

And with Mourinho-favourite Essien back from his loan spell at Real Madrid, Mikel could be surplus to requirements when the new boss starts to overhaul his squad.