Ronaldo saga draws on

RONALDO may have been missing for Inter Milan in their Champions League qualifying game at Sporting Lisbon, but he was still the focus of attention after the scoreless draw.

The Brazilian striker's desire to leave, a saga which has lasted for over a month, has shown no signs of abating.

Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano previously ruled the Champions League winners out of the Ronaldo chase, but the deal is still on according to Spain's sports papers and the striker could be in Spain in the next seven days.

At issue is the transfer fee, and Inter's insistence that they receive £65 million. Madrid are believed to be offering France midfielder Claude Makelele in the deal but the Italians do not want players, only money.

Spanish reports claim that Madrid are offering 45 million just over £30m. The fact that Ronaldo would still be eligible for the Meringues in Europe is a possible indication that a transfer is indeed still on the cards.

After Wednesday night's game, coach Hector Cuper was asked about the Brazilian. "At this moment my mind is just on this two-legged clash with the Portuguese," he said. "After the return leg on August 27, we will have time to resolve the Ronaldo case."