Mijatovic admits that the new contract complicates matters but will not rule out a big-money bid for Ronaldo.

Mijatovic told AS: “We expected Manchester United to extend his contract because he is a young player and he draws a lot of media attention.

“No one can stand that pressure. The solution to the problem was to extend his contract, but he will end up on another team this summer if that’s what was meant to happen all along.”

And Mijatovic did not deny that Real were still interested in bidding for the player.

“We never said he would come here, but I must say we like players like him,” said Mijatovic.

“It all depends on the club allowing him to leave and on the player’s desire to join the team.”

Mijatovic also revealed that he considers Ronaldo as potentially the best in the world.

“He is in great shape right now,” he said.

“He is the most promising player in the world. We watch many players closely throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to sign them all.”