Al-Fahim hints at bid for Ronaldo

The billionaire businessman at the centre of the Manchester City takeover has suggested the club could be willing to make a world record £135million bid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The deadline-day signing of Chelsea target Robinho for a British record transfer fee has already gone some way to underlining the grand intentions of Sulaiman Al-Fahim and his partners from the Abu Dhabi United Group.

"Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious," Al-Fahim told The Guardian.

"Real Madrid were estimating his value at 160 million (US) dollars (£90million) but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more; I would think 240 million dollars (£135million).

"But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.

"We're not just going to spend money on anyone, but if we can get the biggest players in the world, and of course if the manager wants them, then we will get them. We want a team who can win the Champions League."

The newspaper also report that Al-Fahim has confirmed his interest in Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Arsenal lynchpin Cesc Fabregas and is looking to acquire a "minimum" of 18 new players.

City made a last-ditch bid for Dimitar Berbatov on Monday but rivals United succeeded in signing the Bulgarian striker from Tottenham.

Manager Mark Hughes on Tuesday met Robinho for the first time, as the Brazilian jetted in from Spain after ending his spell at Real Madrid.

"I hope to bring a lot of joy to the supporters," Robinho told Sky Sports News.