Ferguson unperturbed by Ronaldo contract delay

Manchester United face further anxiety in their contract negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo after the player's agent announced the Portuguese international did not want any distractions until the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, yesterday insisted his club were in no rush to secure Ronaldo on a new five-year contract following fresh reports in Madrid that Real are determined - and confident - about luring the 22-year-old from Old Trafford this summer. However, United want to end the uncertainty surrounding a possible move to Spain by finalising a deal during the title run-in and will not take kindly to the suggestion that negotiations may be stalled.

"It is possible that it will not be until the end of the season that he gives an answer to Manchester United about the new deal offered," Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, said yesterday. "Cristiano is playing at a great level and at this time the key moments of the season are arriving and it is better he has no distractions."

Ferguson, who faces Bolton at Old Trafford this lunchtime with only Wayne Rooney available among his recognised strikers, admitted talks remain at a preliminary stage on a new deal for Ronaldo but was adamant United have a strong bargaining position with their prized asset.

"The great thing is that we've got him until 2010 anyway, so there is not a desperation about it," insisted Ferguson. "It is an amicable arrangement in the sense that we said to Cristiano 'We'd love you to sign another contract'.

"We spoke to his agents and they were happy, the boy is happy so therefore we are in the process of trying to get to the final conclusion and get the boy signed for another two years to 2012. He is 22 years of age and there has not been a time here when he has not enjoyed it."