Kaka close, but Real still keen on Ron

The news broke last night that Real Madrid were close to signing one of the world's greatest footballers - Kaka - yesterday for a fee of around £65m, a new record. But according to reports, that isn't going to dampen their desires to have Cristiano Ronaldo in the first team.

In spite of the fact that the 'secret contract' has never been seen by the new President, he is confident that he will get the right men in for the Real project, and believes Ronaldo to be one of those most suited for a job at the club. "I don't know anything about the story of Cristiano Ronaldo. I only just took charge," he told television programme '59 segundos'. "But what I am sure of is that which seems expensive is the cheapest.

"In my last era the cheapest was (Zinedine) Zidane, who seemed very expensive because we paid 73 million (euros) for him. Without knowing who we can get, there will be a massive effort for the great players of the world, because that is the Real Madrid model."

Perez laughed off suggestions that Ronaldo's fierce temper could hinder him at the Bernabeu.

"I have not seen anything about him that would prohibit him from playing at Real Madrid. I have seen him get angry because he wants to win and (because of) his competitive spirit. The information I have on him says that he is an example on the pitch, a model."

While Perez admits they will bring in big-name players, he insists Madrid will not be held to ransom for anyone.

"We started working today and we will lay the foundations to create a magnificent team. Some things can last for days, others for months. We have time until August 31."