Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will be able to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to snub Real Madrid and stay at Manchester United.
The Portugal winger appears determined to join the Spanish giants but Ferguson, who returns from holiday this week, is vehemently opposed to selling his star player, reports The Times.
The two men are not believed to have spoken since Ronaldo left Manchester to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2008 in late May.
Ferguson is thought to have been disappointed by some of Ronaldo’s comments regarding a switch to the Bernabeu.
But the United manager reckons the 23-year-old, who has not demanded a move yet, will drop the issue when he learns of the extent of his opposition to the sale.
The Portugal winger appears determined to join the Spanish giants but Ferguson, who returns from holiday this week, is vehemently opposed to selling his star player, reports The Times.
The two men are not believed to have spoken since Ronaldo left Manchester to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2008 in late May.
Ferguson is thought to have been disappointed by some of Ronaldo’s comments regarding a switch to the Bernabeu.
But the United manager reckons the 23-year-old, who has not demanded a move yet, will drop the issue when he learns of the extent of his opposition to the sale.
After much hype, tennis - and fashion - lovers have been following court action with anticipation since Wimbledon began on Monday.
And despite sneak previews into the outfit provisioned for Maria Sharapova's debut match, the glamour girl still managed to cause a jaw-dropping stir.
Although Nike had released early designs of the shorts and t-shirt combo, the piece-de-resistance, a see-through top, ensured Maria came up trumps in the style stakes today.
The Russian beauty arrived on court in an elegant blazer but quickly stripped off in a move that was likely to set pulses racing.
With little more than a sports-bra covering her modesty, Maria, 21, showcased the revealing outfit as she battled against Stephanie Foretz in the women's singles round on day two of the tournament.
The outfit did little to distract the tennis ace from her game though and she went on to win her first match, 6-1, 6-4.
Who will claim Wimbledon victory has yet to be determined, but after today, 6ft 2 Maria is almost certainly leading in the race to most stylish player.
Day one, however, saw some serious contenders as Serena Williams and Roger Federer also looked to the catwalk for inspiration.
The 26-year-old American insisted on wearing a trendy Burberry raincoat as she warmed up for her Court 1 match against Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
The outfit didn't seem to have boosted Miss Williams' confidence though as she made relatively heavy weather of beating her unfancied opponent 7-5, 6-3.
Despite her athletic skills, fashion dominated the press conference that followed.
Serena said: 'It's definitely not athletic attire.
'But it's ladylike and I'm very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality and everything else.'It's definitely kind of retro inspired; buckles on the wrist, thewaistband tie। You can tie it or button it.
'I don't think it's going to keep the rain away but we can always hope.'After his dapper white blazer of last year, Roger Federer revealed his new look to be a 1920s-style cream cardigan.He said: 'I thought, let's move on to something a little bit different.'We thought about something nice like a cardigan, a jumper. I think the result is nice. It's a little easier to wear than the jacket to be honest.'
And despite sneak previews into the outfit provisioned for Maria Sharapova's debut match, the glamour girl still managed to cause a jaw-dropping stir.
Although Nike had released early designs of the shorts and t-shirt combo, the piece-de-resistance, a see-through top, ensured Maria came up trumps in the style stakes today.
The Russian beauty arrived on court in an elegant blazer but quickly stripped off in a move that was likely to set pulses racing.With little more than a sports-bra covering her modesty, Maria, 21, showcased the revealing outfit as she battled against Stephanie Foretz in the women's singles round on day two of the tournament.
The outfit did little to distract the tennis ace from her game though and she went on to win her first match, 6-1, 6-4.
Who will claim Wimbledon victory has yet to be determined, but after today, 6ft 2 Maria is almost certainly leading in the race to most stylish player.
Day one, however, saw some serious contenders as Serena Williams and Roger Federer also looked to the catwalk for inspiration.
The 26-year-old American insisted on wearing a trendy Burberry raincoat as she warmed up for her Court 1 match against Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
The outfit didn't seem to have boosted Miss Williams' confidence though as she made relatively heavy weather of beating her unfancied opponent 7-5, 6-3.
Despite her athletic skills, fashion dominated the press conference that followed.
Serena said: 'It's definitely not athletic attire.
'But it's ladylike and I'm very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality and everything else.'It's definitely kind of retro inspired; buckles on the wrist, thewaistband tie। You can tie it or button it.
'I don't think it's going to keep the rain away but we can always hope.'After his dapper white blazer of last year, Roger Federer revealed his new look to be a 1920s-style cream cardigan.He said: 'I thought, let's move on to something a little bit different.'We thought about something nice like a cardigan, a jumper. I think the result is nice. It's a little easier to wear than the jacket to be honest.'
Tottenham hope to finally end their search for a new goalkeeper this week by securing a £10million deal with PSV Eindhoven for Heurelho Gomes.
Spurs head coach Juande Ramos has been looking at candidates to replace Paul Robinson for the past six months and has decided to go for Gomes.
Tottenham hope to finally end their search for a new No 1 goalkeeper this week by securing a £10m deal with PSV Eindhoven for their highly-rated Brazilian stopper Heurelho Gomes.
Spurs head coach Juande Ramos has been looking at candidates to replace Paul Robinson for the past six months - and has decided to go for Gomes, who stands 6ft 4in and has won 17 caps for his country.
The two clubs are close to agreeing a fee and Tottenham hope to be given permission to talk terms.
The 27-year-old has been one of many names on Tottenham's shortlist, but he made a big impression when he helped knock Spurs out of the UEFA Cup in March.
In the Eredivisie, he is known for his reflex saves and his ability to throw the ball deep into the opposition half.
Gomes fell out with PSV earlier in the season and asked for a transfer after they clinched the championship.
He said: 'I don't think the club want me to stay here. Something drastic has to change to keep me here.'
PSV held talks with Gomes and his agent last week in a bid to get him to stay at the club, but it appears they have lost the fight.
If Spurs secure the transfer as expected they will still need to find another keeper to act as back-up on the bench as Czech Republic No2 Radek Cerny, who took over when Robinson was axed by Ramos last season, has joined QPR.
Robinson's future has still to be decided, but he has been resigned to leaving White Hart Lane since January and is believed to have already bought a new home in the north of England having already attracted interest from Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.
Spurs head coach Juande Ramos has been looking at candidates to replace Paul Robinson for the past six months and has decided to go for Gomes.
Tottenham hope to finally end their search for a new No 1 goalkeeper this week by securing a £10m deal with PSV Eindhoven for their highly-rated Brazilian stopper Heurelho Gomes.
Spurs head coach Juande Ramos has been looking at candidates to replace Paul Robinson for the past six months - and has decided to go for Gomes, who stands 6ft 4in and has won 17 caps for his country.
The two clubs are close to agreeing a fee and Tottenham hope to be given permission to talk terms.
The 27-year-old has been one of many names on Tottenham's shortlist, but he made a big impression when he helped knock Spurs out of the UEFA Cup in March.
In the Eredivisie, he is known for his reflex saves and his ability to throw the ball deep into the opposition half.
Gomes fell out with PSV earlier in the season and asked for a transfer after they clinched the championship.
He said: 'I don't think the club want me to stay here. Something drastic has to change to keep me here.'
PSV held talks with Gomes and his agent last week in a bid to get him to stay at the club, but it appears they have lost the fight.
If Spurs secure the transfer as expected they will still need to find another keeper to act as back-up on the bench as Czech Republic No2 Radek Cerny, who took over when Robinson was axed by Ramos last season, has joined QPR.
Robinson's future has still to be decided, but he has been resigned to leaving White Hart Lane since January and is believed to have already bought a new home in the north of England having already attracted interest from Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.
Rafael Nadal today won the Artois Championships at Queen's Club just seven days after claiming his fourth straight French Open title.
Nadal said: "This week has been amazing for me.
The 22-year-old became the first Spanish male to win a grass court title since 1972 by beating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (8/6) 7-5 in two hours and 15 minutes on centre court.
He trailed 3-0 in the opening set and was a point away from being 4-0 down before fighting back in typically tenacious fashion to win it on a tie-break.
The Spaniard is the first player to win at Roland Garros and Queen's in the same year since the tournament began in its current format in 1979, although Ilie Nastase captured the French Open and London Grass Court Championships in 1973.
In a battle of this year's grand slam winners, the French Open and Australian Open champions produced some fantastic tennis, with many rallies more suited to a clay court than grass.
Djokovic held one set point at 6-5 in the tie-break but Nadal took the next three points to win it 8-6 in 74 minutes, the Serbian throwing his racket to the turf in frustration.
Nadal seemed on course to race through the second set when he broke for a 2-0 lead, but Djokovic refused to concede and broke straight back.
The next six games went with serve but only after Djokovic saved two more break points to make it 4-4, Nadal almost producing one of the best shots of all time after slipping over and hitting a diving forehand volley from behind the baseline which flew just wide.
Djokovic looked to have made the most of his reprieve, breaking to love in the next game only then to lose his serve straight back while serving for the set.
And Nadal made the world number three pay the price for such profligacy, holding serve to lead 6-5 and then breaking Djokovic again to secure victory.
Djokovic said: "I tried, it was a great match.
"It's been a terrific week. I've only been playing on grass for three years so it's quite an improvement for me to get to the final."
Nadal said: "This week has been amazing for me.
The 22-year-old became the first Spanish male to win a grass court title since 1972 by beating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (8/6) 7-5 in two hours and 15 minutes on centre court.
He trailed 3-0 in the opening set and was a point away from being 4-0 down before fighting back in typically tenacious fashion to win it on a tie-break.
The Spaniard is the first player to win at Roland Garros and Queen's in the same year since the tournament began in its current format in 1979, although Ilie Nastase captured the French Open and London Grass Court Championships in 1973.
In a battle of this year's grand slam winners, the French Open and Australian Open champions produced some fantastic tennis, with many rallies more suited to a clay court than grass.
Djokovic held one set point at 6-5 in the tie-break but Nadal took the next three points to win it 8-6 in 74 minutes, the Serbian throwing his racket to the turf in frustration.
Nadal seemed on course to race through the second set when he broke for a 2-0 lead, but Djokovic refused to concede and broke straight back.
The next six games went with serve but only after Djokovic saved two more break points to make it 4-4, Nadal almost producing one of the best shots of all time after slipping over and hitting a diving forehand volley from behind the baseline which flew just wide.
Djokovic looked to have made the most of his reprieve, breaking to love in the next game only then to lose his serve straight back while serving for the set.
And Nadal made the world number three pay the price for such profligacy, holding serve to lead 6-5 and then breaking Djokovic again to secure victory.
Djokovic said: "I tried, it was a great match.
"It's been a terrific week. I've only been playing on grass for three years so it's quite an improvement for me to get to the final."
Aaron Ramsey revealed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was "a big factor" in him signing for the Gunners rather than Manchester United.
At 17, the Wales midfielder was one of the hottest properties in the British transfer market this summer, and Cardiff reluctantly agreed to let him talk to Barclays Premier League club after three, the other being Everton, met their £5million valuation.
However, the prospect of working with Wenger - who has nurtured so many talented youngsters and personally met with Ramsey when Arsenal flew him out to Switzerland - proved even more of a lure than joining last season's Premier League and European champions.
"I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can't wait to meet my new team-mates," said Ramsey after his move was officially confirmed. "I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal.
"He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me."
Wenger has always put his faith in youth, although that was not enough last season as the young Gunners came up just short in the race for the title and in Europe.
Those honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west and an immediate chance to make an impact on the first team rather than wait in line at Old Trafford, in a deal which actually would have seen him loaned back out to the Coca-Cola Championship club next season.
However, the teenager knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he is to cement a place in Wenger's first team at Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.
He said: "Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here."
Cesc Fabregas
Thinking of home: Cesc Fabregas - on Euro 2008 duty with Spain - hopes Alexander Hleb will stay at Arsenal
Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Ninian Park, and admitted it was something of a wrench to leave the Wales club.
"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career," he said.
"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."
The capture of Ramsey is something of a coup for Wenger, snatching the promising youngster from under the nose of rival Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Aaron Ramsey is a young player who has shown huge potential," said the Arsenal manager. He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.
"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."
Wenger is keen to add more players to his squad before they depart on Gunners' pre-season training camp in Austria at the end of July.
However, Bayern Munich and Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for winger Alexander Hleb. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas - currently on international duty with an impressive Spain squad at Euro 2008 - hopes the Belarussian will stay at Emirates Stadium.
"I have always said that Hleb is an incredible footballer and what he has done is underrated, well, everything that he does, because he is still an Arsenal player," Fabregas told Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.
"That kind of footballer deserves more credit, but I tell it to you, he is an incredible footballer. I hope we will carry on playing together for years."
Wenger is expected to tie up a £13million deal for long-time target Samir Nasri, the Marseille midfielder, after Euro 2008 while Ivory Coast international Gervinho claims Arsenal have made inquiries to Le Mans about his availability.
Reports in Italy continue to line up Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a move to AC Milan, although Wenger - at the European Championship as a media pundit - last week gave any notion of letting last season's leading scorer leave short shrift.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have paid tribute to former player Derek Tapscott, who died aged 75. Welshman "Tappy" signed in 1954 from Barry Town and played some 132 games
At 17, the Wales midfielder was one of the hottest properties in the British transfer market this summer, and Cardiff reluctantly agreed to let him talk to Barclays Premier League club after three, the other being Everton, met their £5million valuation.
However, the prospect of working with Wenger - who has nurtured so many talented youngsters and personally met with Ramsey when Arsenal flew him out to Switzerland - proved even more of a lure than joining last season's Premier League and European champions.
"I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can't wait to meet my new team-mates," said Ramsey after his move was officially confirmed. "I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal.
"He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me."
Wenger has always put his faith in youth, although that was not enough last season as the young Gunners came up just short in the race for the title and in Europe.
Those honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west and an immediate chance to make an impact on the first team rather than wait in line at Old Trafford, in a deal which actually would have seen him loaned back out to the Coca-Cola Championship club next season.However, the teenager knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he is to cement a place in Wenger's first team at Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.
He said: "Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here."
Cesc Fabregas
Thinking of home: Cesc Fabregas - on Euro 2008 duty with Spain - hopes Alexander Hleb will stay at Arsenal
Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Ninian Park, and admitted it was something of a wrench to leave the Wales club.
"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career," he said.
"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."
The capture of Ramsey is something of a coup for Wenger, snatching the promising youngster from under the nose of rival Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Aaron Ramsey is a young player who has shown huge potential," said the Arsenal manager. He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.
"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."
Wenger is keen to add more players to his squad before they depart on Gunners' pre-season training camp in Austria at the end of July.
However, Bayern Munich and Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for winger Alexander Hleb. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas - currently on international duty with an impressive Spain squad at Euro 2008 - hopes the Belarussian will stay at Emirates Stadium.
"I have always said that Hleb is an incredible footballer and what he has done is underrated, well, everything that he does, because he is still an Arsenal player," Fabregas told Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.
"That kind of footballer deserves more credit, but I tell it to you, he is an incredible footballer. I hope we will carry on playing together for years."
Wenger is expected to tie up a £13million deal for long-time target Samir Nasri, the Marseille midfielder, after Euro 2008 while Ivory Coast international Gervinho claims Arsenal have made inquiries to Le Mans about his availability.
Reports in Italy continue to line up Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a move to AC Milan, although Wenger - at the European Championship as a media pundit - last week gave any notion of letting last season's leading scorer leave short shrift.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have paid tribute to former player Derek Tapscott, who died aged 75. Welshman "Tappy" signed in 1954 from Barry Town and played some 132 games
Sir Alex Ferguson will urge the Manchester United board to put an end to the soap opera surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future by sanctioning talks that could raise his wages to £150,000 a week.
Chief executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to buckle in the face of continued pressure from Real Madrid but Ronaldo's advisers believe the problem can be resolved by a simple renegotiation of the four-year deal he signed last summer.
That would involve increasing his pay from £120,000 a week and adding an improved image rights package.
In the latest twist, Spanish sources claimed yesterday that Real, notwithstanding an official complaint to FIFA from vexed United, had tabled a £70million offer for the 23-year-old Portugal winger - the figure widely believed in Spain to match a release clause in Ronaldo's contract.
United vehemently deny such a clause exists and Ferguson, who has stayed in the shadows and kept his counsel as Ronaldo has flirted with Real, now wants the issue resolved.
Ronaldo is due to clock in at Carrington for pre-season training three weeks after Portugal play their last match - which would be late July if they reach the European Championship Final.
His closest advisers believe Ferguson will soon support a more pragmatic approach from the United board to ensure his greatest asset is onside well before the new season gets under way.
Real's shameless pursuit of Ronaldo was not unexpected and the player's camp clearly expected him to be offered a pay rise, especially in the light of a 42-goal wonder season that saw him scoop all the player of the year awards.
His advisers were utterly dismayed when Gill made it plain that there would be no negotiations this summer.
Ferguson will be disappointed by comments from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who believes Ronaldo should quit United if his heart is no longer at the club.
But the French star, who quit Old Trafford and all football in 1997 aged 30, says Ronaldo should not move for the money.
Speaking at the UK launch of partouche-betting.com, Cantona said: 'Maybe Ronaldo feels he has achieved everything here (at United) and doesn't find excitement and motivation for next year. 'If it's this reason maybe it's the right decision to leave. But if it's for other reasons I think it is the wrong decision. If he leaves for more money, he is wrong.'
However, in the eyes of the Portuguese camp, a little give and take and an adjustment to Ronaldo's deal which reflects his impact this season, would settle the matter.
Gill's hard-line stance has not gone down well with Ronaldo's advisers, who are convinced the player is quite happy to remain at Old Trafford despite some of his ambiguous musings on Real reported in various quarters.
Privately, they admit he was careless to talk of a desire to play for Real. It has been misconstrued, wilfully or otherwise, as an ambition to be fulfilled now when, they insist, Ronaldo was looking further down the line.
But the drama is in danger of becoming a crisis, with Team Ronaldo feeling slighted that, in their eyes, his huge contribution to the Champions League and Barclays Premier League double has been all but waved away.
United are furious at Real's mischief-making, although the Spaniards yesterday insisted disingenuously that there was no cast-iron evidence of any wrongdoing to put before any FIFA disciplinary tribunal.
Real president Ramon Calderon said: 'It is United's right (to complain) but we have not done anything wrong and we are not going to do anything. It is a matter for the player and his club.'
That again has been interpreted as a hint over the player's contract situation. Spanish newspaper Marca, widely regarded a s t h e Bernabeu house journal, stirred the simmering pot with a suggestion that Real have put together a £70m world record offer to tempt United into selling Ronaldo to them.
Contrary to the belief in Madrid, there is no buy-out clause for even that staggering amount in Ronaldo's contract.
United follow a strict policy of excluding any such clause from their deals with players.
Ferguson, who persuaded Ronaldo to stay despite the furore over his infamous World Cup wink as Wayne Rooney was sent off two years ago, has yet to intervene but will be loath to lose the game's most potent talent on a point of principle - albeit one he fully understands.
But while the odds are on Ronaldo kicking off next season in red rather than white, the impasse is damaging enough to give Real some hope that a ridiculous, bankdemolishing bid would make even United think twice.
Especially if the Old Trafford hierarchy suspect this whole, tiresome scenario could be reprised next summer.
Chief executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to buckle in the face of continued pressure from Real Madrid but Ronaldo's advisers believe the problem can be resolved by a simple renegotiation of the four-year deal he signed last summer.
That would involve increasing his pay from £120,000 a week and adding an improved image rights package.
In the latest twist, Spanish sources claimed yesterday that Real, notwithstanding an official complaint to FIFA from vexed United, had tabled a £70million offer for the 23-year-old Portugal winger - the figure widely believed in Spain to match a release clause in Ronaldo's contract.
United vehemently deny such a clause exists and Ferguson, who has stayed in the shadows and kept his counsel as Ronaldo has flirted with Real, now wants the issue resolved.
Ronaldo is due to clock in at Carrington for pre-season training three weeks after Portugal play their last match - which would be late July if they reach the European Championship Final.
His closest advisers believe Ferguson will soon support a more pragmatic approach from the United board to ensure his greatest asset is onside well before the new season gets under way.
Real's shameless pursuit of Ronaldo was not unexpected and the player's camp clearly expected him to be offered a pay rise, especially in the light of a 42-goal wonder season that saw him scoop all the player of the year awards.
His advisers were utterly dismayed when Gill made it plain that there would be no negotiations this summer.
Ferguson will be disappointed by comments from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who believes Ronaldo should quit United if his heart is no longer at the club.
But the French star, who quit Old Trafford and all football in 1997 aged 30, says Ronaldo should not move for the money.
Speaking at the UK launch of partouche-betting.com, Cantona said: 'Maybe Ronaldo feels he has achieved everything here (at United) and doesn't find excitement and motivation for next year. 'If it's this reason maybe it's the right decision to leave. But if it's for other reasons I think it is the wrong decision. If he leaves for more money, he is wrong.'
However, in the eyes of the Portuguese camp, a little give and take and an adjustment to Ronaldo's deal which reflects his impact this season, would settle the matter.
Gill's hard-line stance has not gone down well with Ronaldo's advisers, who are convinced the player is quite happy to remain at Old Trafford despite some of his ambiguous musings on Real reported in various quarters.
Privately, they admit he was careless to talk of a desire to play for Real. It has been misconstrued, wilfully or otherwise, as an ambition to be fulfilled now when, they insist, Ronaldo was looking further down the line.
But the drama is in danger of becoming a crisis, with Team Ronaldo feeling slighted that, in their eyes, his huge contribution to the Champions League and Barclays Premier League double has been all but waved away.
United are furious at Real's mischief-making, although the Spaniards yesterday insisted disingenuously that there was no cast-iron evidence of any wrongdoing to put before any FIFA disciplinary tribunal.
Real president Ramon Calderon said: 'It is United's right (to complain) but we have not done anything wrong and we are not going to do anything. It is a matter for the player and his club.'
That again has been interpreted as a hint over the player's contract situation. Spanish newspaper Marca, widely regarded a s t h e Bernabeu house journal, stirred the simmering pot with a suggestion that Real have put together a £70m world record offer to tempt United into selling Ronaldo to them.
Contrary to the belief in Madrid, there is no buy-out clause for even that staggering amount in Ronaldo's contract.
United follow a strict policy of excluding any such clause from their deals with players.
Ferguson, who persuaded Ronaldo to stay despite the furore over his infamous World Cup wink as Wayne Rooney was sent off two years ago, has yet to intervene but will be loath to lose the game's most potent talent on a point of principle - albeit one he fully understands.
But while the odds are on Ronaldo kicking off next season in red rather than white, the impasse is damaging enough to give Real some hope that a ridiculous, bankdemolishing bid would make even United think twice.
Especially if the Old Trafford hierarchy suspect this whole, tiresome scenario could be reprised next summer.
UEFA have confirmed 157 people were arrested after violence flared before, during, and after Germany's Euro 2008 victory against Poland on Sunday.
Supporters clashed in the Austrian city of Klagenfurt although UEFA played down reports of injuries.
A spokesman for UEFA said on Monday: "Klagenfurt reported 157 arrests during the match, mainly Germany supporters who were arrested in the city centre but the police said the situation cleared rapidly, nobody was injured and no material damage occurred."
European football's governing body denied suggestions the local police were ill-prepared for the number of fans which descended on Klagenfurt.
The spokesman added: "We have gone through all kinds of scenarios with Swiss and Austrian police, with the help of European police forces around the continent.
"There is no specific plan for every match. We think the overall concept works
well.
"Sensitive matches are dotted around the map of Austria and Switzerland, you
can turn anything into a sensitive match if you think twice about it.
"We are not particularly worried about a single episode. We have a global
concept we apply, match by match and city by city. It is well rehearsed and we
hope also for every match it will work."
Serbia's Ana Ivanovic claimed her first grand slam title on Saturday after easing to victory against Dinara Safina in the final of the French Open.Ivanovic, runner up at Roland Garros 12 months ago, went one better in 2008 by posting a 6-4 6-3 victory over the 13th-seeded Russian on Philippe Chatrier Court.The 20-year-old from Belgrade was always in control of the match, and received the Suzanne Lenglen Cup from recently retired Justine Henin - her conqueror in the 2007 final.
Ivanovic's victory consolidates her impending elevation to the top of the women's game. She will be confirmed as the new world number one when the latest rankings are released on Monday, replacing Maria Sharapova.
Walking out on court, Ivanovic - with two grand slam final appearances under her belt - appeared the calmer of the two, with Safina, making her bow at this level of competition, noticeably the more preoccupied.Ivanovic, who finally found top gear in this tournament during her spirited semi-final win over compatriot Jelena Jankovic, took the early initiative by breaking the grand slam final debutant in the first game.The number two seed's forehand has been firing well at this tournament, and she quickly had Safina on the rack, forcing break point and then converting the chance as her opponent fired wide with a forehand.The next three games went with serve, although the feeling still remained that Safina - the winner of the German Open in Berlin last month - was the more fragile of the two.The next game confirmed that fragility, Safina's service game totally deserting her as Ivanovic broke to love to move 4-1 ahead.
safina
A dejected Dinara Safina
But after losing that second break, Safina won eight of the next 10 points to force her way back into the set.The green shoots of recovery started to show in the sixth game, Safina finding a supreme forehand winner to prevent falling 5-1 behind at 30-40. She then brought up break point with a confident volley at the net before Ivanovic netted to allow Safina to break back. A service game to love followed as the Russian closed to 3-4.
Safina battled back again in the next game, recovering from 0-40 down to win five points on the bounce to get the set back on serve.
But the pendulum swung in the next. Both players were now making mistakes, but two shanked forehands by Safina stood out as needless errors, the second of which handed Ivanovic break point, which she duly converted with a forehand winner.
Ivanovic wrapped up the first set after 45 minutes on court, spurning one set point before sealing the opener at the second time of asking as Safina fired long.
The second set went with service for two games but Ivanovic stepped it up in the third, her ability to defend Safina's service game again coming to the fore.
The game was illuminated by a thrilling 26-stoke rally that went the way of Ivanovic despite the fact she was on the back foot for much of the point as Safina rained down smashes, forcing the second seed to defend frantically from behind the baseline.
Break point duly arrived for Ivanovic, who was by now reading Safina's serve with ease, and she converted the chance with one of her most potent weapons, a cross-court forehand winner that has been a feature of her run to the final at Roland Garros.
A service game to love had Ivanovic well in control at 3-1, although after Safina battled from a set and 2-5 to oust both Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva in earlier rounds, the Serbian will unlikely have been resting easy at this point.
And so it proved as Ivanovic was forced to battle all the way in the next game. The 20-year-old had to fend off break point as her first service began to misfire, but eventually she moved 4-2 ahead when Safina fired wide on her forehand.
A further thriller awaited in the next game as Safina survived falling 2-5 behind as an Ivanovic backhand down the line was ruled marginally wide on break point, while two double faults by Safina also handed her opponent a second break point, which she failed to take.
Finally Safina held for 3-4, but Ivanovic appeared none the worse for wear in the next game as she held with ease to leave Safina serving to stay in the match.But Safina could not raise her game when it mattered most, as Ivanovic found the shots at the right time to break to love and seal her first grand slam crown.
Ivanovic's victory consolidates her impending elevation to the top of the women's game. She will be confirmed as the new world number one when the latest rankings are released on Monday, replacing Maria Sharapova.Walking out on court, Ivanovic - with two grand slam final appearances under her belt - appeared the calmer of the two, with Safina, making her bow at this level of competition, noticeably the more preoccupied.Ivanovic, who finally found top gear in this tournament during her spirited semi-final win over compatriot Jelena Jankovic, took the early initiative by breaking the grand slam final debutant in the first game.The number two seed's forehand has been firing well at this tournament, and she quickly had Safina on the rack, forcing break point and then converting the chance as her opponent fired wide with a forehand.The next three games went with serve, although the feeling still remained that Safina - the winner of the German Open in Berlin last month - was the more fragile of the two.The next game confirmed that fragility, Safina's service game totally deserting her as Ivanovic broke to love to move 4-1 ahead.
safina
A dejected Dinara Safina
But after losing that second break, Safina won eight of the next 10 points to force her way back into the set.The green shoots of recovery started to show in the sixth game, Safina finding a supreme forehand winner to prevent falling 5-1 behind at 30-40. She then brought up break point with a confident volley at the net before Ivanovic netted to allow Safina to break back. A service game to love followed as the Russian closed to 3-4.
Safina battled back again in the next game, recovering from 0-40 down to win five points on the bounce to get the set back on serve.
But the pendulum swung in the next. Both players were now making mistakes, but two shanked forehands by Safina stood out as needless errors, the second of which handed Ivanovic break point, which she duly converted with a forehand winner.
Ivanovic wrapped up the first set after 45 minutes on court, spurning one set point before sealing the opener at the second time of asking as Safina fired long.
The second set went with service for two games but Ivanovic stepped it up in the third, her ability to defend Safina's service game again coming to the fore.
The game was illuminated by a thrilling 26-stoke rally that went the way of Ivanovic despite the fact she was on the back foot for much of the point as Safina rained down smashes, forcing the second seed to defend frantically from behind the baseline.
Break point duly arrived for Ivanovic, who was by now reading Safina's serve with ease, and she converted the chance with one of her most potent weapons, a cross-court forehand winner that has been a feature of her run to the final at Roland Garros.
A service game to love had Ivanovic well in control at 3-1, although after Safina battled from a set and 2-5 to oust both Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva in earlier rounds, the Serbian will unlikely have been resting easy at this point.
And so it proved as Ivanovic was forced to battle all the way in the next game. The 20-year-old had to fend off break point as her first service began to misfire, but eventually she moved 4-2 ahead when Safina fired wide on her forehand.
A further thriller awaited in the next game as Safina survived falling 2-5 behind as an Ivanovic backhand down the line was ruled marginally wide on break point, while two double faults by Safina also handed her opponent a second break point, which she failed to take.
Finally Safina held for 3-4, but Ivanovic appeared none the worse for wear in the next game as she held with ease to leave Safina serving to stay in the match.But Safina could not raise her game when it mattered most, as Ivanovic found the shots at the right time to break to love and seal her first grand slam crown.
Fabio Capello's heart says Spain but his head appears to say Germany. His love for the way the Spanish play leads his heart to say they have the talento but the Germans, as someone in Madrid recently remarked, also have talante, which means character, as England's manager understands only too well.
'When I was at Real Madrid we spoke a lot about the problems of the national team,' says Capello, who will be here tomorrow to watch Croatia meet Austria.
'Spain always go into a tournament with one of the best squads but never even arrive in the semi-finals. There is some kind of fear there.'
Going into the European Championship, the Spanish do look wonderful. Their squads oozes class and ability. They possess arguably the finest striker in the world in Fernando Torres, a midfield most managers would kill for and an experienced defence.
The names would be on every club chairman's wish list. Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Xavi, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. 'It is incredible,' says Capello.
'In Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta they have the best midfield in Europe and the team with the most technical quality.'
Yet they have the reputation of serial chokers. A reputation for failing to perform for their country in the manner they do for their clubs. Sound familiar? 'For some time we have compared them to England,' says Capello.
Rather like England, it is more than 40 years since Spain last won a major tournament, in their case the European Championship in 1964. Since then, the closest they have come is the final in 1984, when they were beaten by Michel Platini's France in Paris.
On this occasion, however, they should go into their opening game against Russia in Innsbruck on Tuesday full of confidence.
After a difficult start to the qualifying campaign that saw them lose away to both Northern Ireland and Sweden, they have come through 16 games without loss.
In the end, they won their group and Luis Aragones then adopted a risky strategy of playing friendlies against Italy and France to build confidence even more. It worked; Spain won both matches 1-0. That could prove significant if they win Group D and meet either team in the last eight.
But Capello points out their group is not easy. 'Russia, Sweden and the defending champions, Greece. There could be another surprise.'
Germans do not do surprises. They always seem to qualify and never under-achieve in tournaments. 'When their players represent the national team they are very, very strong,' says Capello.
'They have confidence. Sometimes they lose but they always play to win. They have some strong club sides, but with the national team they always appear to play even better.
'Some would say they have not been at their strongest in the last few years but they reached the final of the World Cup in 2002 and the semi-finals in 2006. And I think they are a better team now than they were in 2006.'
Every tournament needs a 'group of death' and the one comprising Italy, France, Holland and Romania certainly merits the title.
Who will go through? Capello agonises before plumping for Italy and France but adds: 'Watch Romania. They are very technical, very dangerous. They are a very good team and could spring a real surprise.'
Capello sees Portugal as comfortable winners of a group that also comprises the Czechs, Swiss and Turkey. But they lack a striker of Torres's quality - Nuno Gomes is not in the same class - but they can rely on Cristiano Ronaldo's goals.
'They have a top, top manager in Luiz Felipe Scolari,' says Capello. 'I know him very well.'
Good enough to go one better than 2004 and actually win the final? Good enough to add the European Championship with Portugal to the World Cup he won with Brazil?
Perhaps before heading off to Chelsea. Good enough to beat Spain in what could be one hell of a final here on June 29? Once again, the heart and the head are in conflict.
'When I was at Real Madrid we spoke a lot about the problems of the national team,' says Capello, who will be here tomorrow to watch Croatia meet Austria.
'Spain always go into a tournament with one of the best squads but never even arrive in the semi-finals. There is some kind of fear there.'
Going into the European Championship, the Spanish do look wonderful. Their squads oozes class and ability. They possess arguably the finest striker in the world in Fernando Torres, a midfield most managers would kill for and an experienced defence.
The names would be on every club chairman's wish list. Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Xavi, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. 'It is incredible,' says Capello.
'In Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta they have the best midfield in Europe and the team with the most technical quality.'
Yet they have the reputation of serial chokers. A reputation for failing to perform for their country in the manner they do for their clubs. Sound familiar? 'For some time we have compared them to England,' says Capello.
Rather like England, it is more than 40 years since Spain last won a major tournament, in their case the European Championship in 1964. Since then, the closest they have come is the final in 1984, when they were beaten by Michel Platini's France in Paris.
On this occasion, however, they should go into their opening game against Russia in Innsbruck on Tuesday full of confidence.
After a difficult start to the qualifying campaign that saw them lose away to both Northern Ireland and Sweden, they have come through 16 games without loss.
In the end, they won their group and Luis Aragones then adopted a risky strategy of playing friendlies against Italy and France to build confidence even more. It worked; Spain won both matches 1-0. That could prove significant if they win Group D and meet either team in the last eight.
But Capello points out their group is not easy. 'Russia, Sweden and the defending champions, Greece. There could be another surprise.'
Germans do not do surprises. They always seem to qualify and never under-achieve in tournaments. 'When their players represent the national team they are very, very strong,' says Capello.
'They have confidence. Sometimes they lose but they always play to win. They have some strong club sides, but with the national team they always appear to play even better.
'Some would say they have not been at their strongest in the last few years but they reached the final of the World Cup in 2002 and the semi-finals in 2006. And I think they are a better team now than they were in 2006.'
Every tournament needs a 'group of death' and the one comprising Italy, France, Holland and Romania certainly merits the title.
Who will go through? Capello agonises before plumping for Italy and France but adds: 'Watch Romania. They are very technical, very dangerous. They are a very good team and could spring a real surprise.'
Capello sees Portugal as comfortable winners of a group that also comprises the Czechs, Swiss and Turkey. But they lack a striker of Torres's quality - Nuno Gomes is not in the same class - but they can rely on Cristiano Ronaldo's goals.
'They have a top, top manager in Luiz Felipe Scolari,' says Capello. 'I know him very well.'
Good enough to go one better than 2004 and actually win the final? Good enough to add the European Championship with Portugal to the World Cup he won with Brazil?
Perhaps before heading off to Chelsea. Good enough to beat Spain in what could be one hell of a final here on June 29? Once again, the heart and the head are in conflict.
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a bombshell on Manchester United by claiming he "wants to play for Real Madrid" but only if the Spanish giants are prepared to pay the asking price.
Real have relentlessly pursued Ronaldo and could now land the talented Portuguese winger if they stump up around an estimated £70million which would be the most expensive football transfer in history.
"I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," he told Brazilian website Terra.
"However, it does not depend on me."
Ronaldo says he hopes that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with the Portugal side, also insisted he will not discuss it until after the tournament.
He added: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.
"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships.
"Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."
United have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the
2008/09 campaign.
Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last
season.
The transfer could spark a major row between United and Madrid with manager Sir Alex Ferguson stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.
Zinedine Zidane become the most expensive transfer in history when he joined Real from Juventus for £50million.
Real have relentlessly pursued Ronaldo and could now land the talented Portuguese winger if they stump up around an estimated £70million which would be the most expensive football transfer in history.
"I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," he told Brazilian website Terra.
Ronaldo says he hopes that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with the Portugal side, also insisted he will not discuss it until after the tournament.
He added: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.
"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships.
"Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."
United have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the
2008/09 campaign.
Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last
season.
The transfer could spark a major row between United and Madrid with manager Sir Alex Ferguson stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.
Zinedine Zidane become the most expensive transfer in history when he joined Real from Juventus for £50million.
Chelsea have offered Carlo Ancelotti £24million to become their new manager. Last night the double Champions League winning coach insisted that he is not leaving AC Milan but Sportsmail understands that a meeting between representatives of both parties took place at the George V Four Seasons Hotel in Paris on Monday.
Chelsea received enough encouragement to offer the Italian a four-year contract at £6m-a-season.
However, last night they were forced to release a statement admitting they had not come to an agreement.
Stamford Bridge officials then apparently suffered a humiliating setback when Ancelotti, 48, said: "I will stay in AC Milan for sure and for many seasons to come. I have not spoken to anyone at Chelsea."
But in a carefully-worded statement, Chelsea did not deny that they had talked to representatives of the Italian, nor that they had made an offer, and it is clear that he is top of owner Roman Abramovich's wish-list of replacements for sacked manager Avram Grant.
The Stamford Bridge club said: "The club have not reached agreement with any individual to become manager, nor have we sought permission from any organisation to talk to their manager."
The mixed messages leave the tantalising possibility of a battle of the billionaires, with Russian oligarch Abramovich facing a duel for Ancelotti with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who owns the Italian club.
Abramovich appears to have decided on Ancelotti after advice from his personal scout Piet de Visser as well as his inner circle at Stamford Bridge.
Apart from the pre-requisite of a proven track record, they are thought to have been impressed by tactical flexibility and with his ability to handle the media calmly.
But Ancelotti's ability to handle some of the world's best players and not fall out with the dominating presence of Berlusconi is said to have made the biggest impact.
If the Italian does stay at Milan, Chelsea will look towards Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Mark Hughes, who had been linked with the job, is on his way to Manchester City after they agreed a £4.6m compensation deal with Blackburn.
Given Ancelotti's record in the Champions League, one of only five to win the European Cup as both player and manager, it is easy to understand why Abramovich is keen to bring in the manager he believes best able to deliver the trophy he covets above others.
A midfielder in the legendary AC Milan team of the late Eighties, he played alongside such greats as Paolo Maldini and the Dutch trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard, who has also been linked with the Chelsea job of late after parting company with Barcelona.
Ancelotti tasted European Cup success in back-to-back seasons in 1989 and 1990. Regarded as the voice of esteemed Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi on the pitch, it came as little surprise that Ancelotti opted to go into coaching.
His first managerial post came with in 1995 with Reggiana, who he guided to Serie A after one season in charge.
A move to former club Parma followed and with it came his first European managerial success, the 1999 UEFA Cup.
Two seasons as Marcelo Lippi's successor at Juventus came next, and two secondplaced finishes in Serie A.
But it was the move to AC Milan in 2001, as replacement for Fatih Terim, which cemented Ancelotti's place in the Italian coaching pantheon.
In his seven seasons at the helm, Milan have won the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, the Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, a World Club Championship and, most significantly as far as Abramovich is concerned, two Champions League titles.
The first European Cup success came with a 3-2 victory on penalties over former side Juventus in 2003 at Old Trafford, the second with a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Athens in 2007.
Having coached the superstars such as Rivaldo, Cafu, Clarence Seedorf, Filippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka, Ancelotti is no stranger to the demands of handling the kind of star-studded dressing room Abramovich is eager to create at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea received enough encouragement to offer the Italian a four-year contract at £6m-a-season.
However, last night they were forced to release a statement admitting they had not come to an agreement.
Stamford Bridge officials then apparently suffered a humiliating setback when Ancelotti, 48, said: "I will stay in AC Milan for sure and for many seasons to come. I have not spoken to anyone at Chelsea."
But in a carefully-worded statement, Chelsea did not deny that they had talked to representatives of the Italian, nor that they had made an offer, and it is clear that he is top of owner Roman Abramovich's wish-list of replacements for sacked manager Avram Grant.
The Stamford Bridge club said: "The club have not reached agreement with any individual to become manager, nor have we sought permission from any organisation to talk to their manager."
The mixed messages leave the tantalising possibility of a battle of the billionaires, with Russian oligarch Abramovich facing a duel for Ancelotti with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who owns the Italian club.
Abramovich appears to have decided on Ancelotti after advice from his personal scout Piet de Visser as well as his inner circle at Stamford Bridge.
Apart from the pre-requisite of a proven track record, they are thought to have been impressed by tactical flexibility and with his ability to handle the media calmly.
But Ancelotti's ability to handle some of the world's best players and not fall out with the dominating presence of Berlusconi is said to have made the biggest impact.
If the Italian does stay at Milan, Chelsea will look towards Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Mark Hughes, who had been linked with the job, is on his way to Manchester City after they agreed a £4.6m compensation deal with Blackburn.
Given Ancelotti's record in the Champions League, one of only five to win the European Cup as both player and manager, it is easy to understand why Abramovich is keen to bring in the manager he believes best able to deliver the trophy he covets above others.
A midfielder in the legendary AC Milan team of the late Eighties, he played alongside such greats as Paolo Maldini and the Dutch trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard, who has also been linked with the Chelsea job of late after parting company with Barcelona.
Ancelotti tasted European Cup success in back-to-back seasons in 1989 and 1990. Regarded as the voice of esteemed Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi on the pitch, it came as little surprise that Ancelotti opted to go into coaching.
His first managerial post came with in 1995 with Reggiana, who he guided to Serie A after one season in charge.
A move to former club Parma followed and with it came his first European managerial success, the 1999 UEFA Cup.
Two seasons as Marcelo Lippi's successor at Juventus came next, and two secondplaced finishes in Serie A.
But it was the move to AC Milan in 2001, as replacement for Fatih Terim, which cemented Ancelotti's place in the Italian coaching pantheon.
In his seven seasons at the helm, Milan have won the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, the Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, a World Club Championship and, most significantly as far as Abramovich is concerned, two Champions League titles.
The first European Cup success came with a 3-2 victory on penalties over former side Juventus in 2003 at Old Trafford, the second with a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Athens in 2007.
Having coached the superstars such as Rivaldo, Cafu, Clarence Seedorf, Filippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka, Ancelotti is no stranger to the demands of handling the kind of star-studded dressing room Abramovich is eager to create at Stamford Bridge.
Foreigners attending the Beijing Olympics better behave - or else.The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document - covering 57 topics. Written only in Chinese and posted of the organizers' official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.
The document, not immediately available in English, also said having Olympic tickets is no guarantee of getting a visa to enter China.
"Those holding Olympic tickets are not guaranteed of being granted a visa," the guide said. "They still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."
Fearing protests during the Aug. 8-24 Olympics, China's authoritarian government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.
The government is hoping to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.
"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given.
Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."
The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sporting venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner in an Olympic venue "that disturbs the public order."
The guidelines seems to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.
"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. It's a human right. Athletes have it."
The highly detailed document is entitled: "A guide to Chinese law for Foreigners coming to, leaving or staying in China during the Olympics." This appears under the slogan of the Beijing Olympics: "One World, One Dream."
For months Chinese authorities denied there had been any change to visa regulations, but recently acknowledged that rules had been amended.
The changes may have little affect on some of the 500,000 foreigners expected to visit for the Olympics, many of whom will come on package tours with visas already arranged.
The rules published Monday say entry will be denied to those "who might conduct acts of terrorism, violence and government subversion ... and those who might engage in activities endangering China's national security and national interest."
The rules also bar entry to smugglers, drug traffickers, prostitutes and those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions.
The document also warns foreigners that not all areas of the country are open to visitors. One such area is Tibet, which is also off limits to journalists.
"Not all of China is open to foreigners, and they shall not go to any venue not open to them," the statement said.
The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".
Foreigners staying with Chinese residents in urban areas must register at a local police station within 24 hours of arriving. The limit in rural areas is 72 hours.
The guide also threatens criminal prosecution against anyone "who burns, defaces ... insults or tramps on the national flag or insignia."
For those planning on sleeping outdoors to save a little money - forget it. This is banned in order to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of the cities."
The document, not immediately available in English, also said having Olympic tickets is no guarantee of getting a visa to enter China.
"Those holding Olympic tickets are not guaranteed of being granted a visa," the guide said. "They still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."
Fearing protests during the Aug. 8-24 Olympics, China's authoritarian government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.
The government is hoping to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.
"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given.
Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."
The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sporting venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner in an Olympic venue "that disturbs the public order."
The guidelines seems to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.
"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. It's a human right. Athletes have it."
The highly detailed document is entitled: "A guide to Chinese law for Foreigners coming to, leaving or staying in China during the Olympics." This appears under the slogan of the Beijing Olympics: "One World, One Dream."
For months Chinese authorities denied there had been any change to visa regulations, but recently acknowledged that rules had been amended.
The changes may have little affect on some of the 500,000 foreigners expected to visit for the Olympics, many of whom will come on package tours with visas already arranged.
The rules published Monday say entry will be denied to those "who might conduct acts of terrorism, violence and government subversion ... and those who might engage in activities endangering China's national security and national interest."
The rules also bar entry to smugglers, drug traffickers, prostitutes and those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions.
The document also warns foreigners that not all areas of the country are open to visitors. One such area is Tibet, which is also off limits to journalists.
"Not all of China is open to foreigners, and they shall not go to any venue not open to them," the statement said.
The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".
Foreigners staying with Chinese residents in urban areas must register at a local police station within 24 hours of arriving. The limit in rural areas is 72 hours.
The guide also threatens criminal prosecution against anyone "who burns, defaces ... insults or tramps on the national flag or insignia."
For those planning on sleeping outdoors to save a little money - forget it. This is banned in order to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of the cities."
England boss Fabio Capello has insisted that restoring David Beckham to the captaincy of his country for today's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago is not simply a PR stunt.
Capello admitted that for his employers, the Football Association, the game might be a political exercise to win the backing of Jack Warner, the FIFA vice-president who heads Caribbean football, for their bid to host the World Cup in 2018. But Capello is adamant that footballing reasons alone were behind his decision to restore Beckham to the captaincy, a position the player gave up following the 2006 World Cup.
The manager said: 'My work is not PR, my work is to be manager and to win, nothing more. It's possible, I think, for the FA the match is PR. For me, it's a game. It's not because of his name that Beckham is here, it's because he's fit and a very good player.'
The Italian, who for a time exiled Beckham from his team while the pair were at Real Madrid, says the LA Galaxy midfielder is in contention not only to play at the 2010 World Cup, by which time he will be 35, but also to be his full-time skipper.
That role is still thought more likely to go to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, but Capello rejected suggestions that Beckham, 33, donning the armband today is another gimmick for what many regard as the most blatantly political match England have ever played.
Capello added: 'I decided there were five or six candidates (to be captain). Beckham is one of the candidates. I do not know the future. It's possible he will play at the 2010 World Cup. It depends if he's fit physically.' Some will regard the Beckham return to favour as a backward step but he demonstrated with the cross, from which John Terry gave England the lead in their 2-0 friendly win over the USA at Wembley last week, that he can still make key contributions to the team.
Capello reiterated that the door was always open for players like Blackburn's David Bentley to move ahead of Beckham in the pecking order, but it seems that the Italian does not believe any of the young pretenders have yet made a compelling case to replace the man who has been England's talisman for so long.
Ferdinand, meanwhile, claims this first extended get-together of Capello's reign has deepened his conviction that the Italian is the man to end decades of underachievement by England.
'The games against the United States and Trinidad and the training we've been doing are geared towards achieving a lot more than we have under other England managers,' said Ferdinand, the only Englishman who featured in the United-Chelsea Champions League final to make this trip.
'There will be a big hole on my c.v. if I don't achieve something with England. 'It's obvious that it has got to the stage now with England where it is a psychological thing, because the country hasn't achieved anything of note since 1966 so there hasn't been that consistency of a winning mentality.
'First and foremost, you have to have the quality, but then you need to have the belief factor, and that is what the manager is trying hard to instill.
'He sees us as individuals with our clubs performing week in, week out at a good level in the Premier League and Champions League, and now it's about getting that as a collective unit in an England shirt.
'This is the most optimistic I've ever felt with England. The manager's record speaks for itself and if you can't believe in someone of his stature, who has had his achievements in football, then I don't know who you can believe in.'
Capello admitted that for his employers, the Football Association, the game might be a political exercise to win the backing of Jack Warner, the FIFA vice-president who heads Caribbean football, for their bid to host the World Cup in 2018. But Capello is adamant that footballing reasons alone were behind his decision to restore Beckham to the captaincy, a position the player gave up following the 2006 World Cup.
The manager said: 'My work is not PR, my work is to be manager and to win, nothing more. It's possible, I think, for the FA the match is PR. For me, it's a game. It's not because of his name that Beckham is here, it's because he's fit and a very good player.'
The Italian, who for a time exiled Beckham from his team while the pair were at Real Madrid, says the LA Galaxy midfielder is in contention not only to play at the 2010 World Cup, by which time he will be 35, but also to be his full-time skipper.
That role is still thought more likely to go to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, but Capello rejected suggestions that Beckham, 33, donning the armband today is another gimmick for what many regard as the most blatantly political match England have ever played.
Capello added: 'I decided there were five or six candidates (to be captain). Beckham is one of the candidates. I do not know the future. It's possible he will play at the 2010 World Cup. It depends if he's fit physically.' Some will regard the Beckham return to favour as a backward step but he demonstrated with the cross, from which John Terry gave England the lead in their 2-0 friendly win over the USA at Wembley last week, that he can still make key contributions to the team.
Capello reiterated that the door was always open for players like Blackburn's David Bentley to move ahead of Beckham in the pecking order, but it seems that the Italian does not believe any of the young pretenders have yet made a compelling case to replace the man who has been England's talisman for so long.
Ferdinand, meanwhile, claims this first extended get-together of Capello's reign has deepened his conviction that the Italian is the man to end decades of underachievement by England.
'The games against the United States and Trinidad and the training we've been doing are geared towards achieving a lot more than we have under other England managers,' said Ferdinand, the only Englishman who featured in the United-Chelsea Champions League final to make this trip.
'There will be a big hole on my c.v. if I don't achieve something with England. 'It's obvious that it has got to the stage now with England where it is a psychological thing, because the country hasn't achieved anything of note since 1966 so there hasn't been that consistency of a winning mentality.
'First and foremost, you have to have the quality, but then you need to have the belief factor, and that is what the manager is trying hard to instill.
'He sees us as individuals with our clubs performing week in, week out at a good level in the Premier League and Champions League, and now it's about getting that as a collective unit in an England shirt.
'This is the most optimistic I've ever felt with England. The manager's record speaks for itself and if you can't believe in someone of his stature, who has had his achievements in football, then I don't know who you can believe in.'
