Valencia's Hugo Viana claims international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo won't be staying at Manchester United "much longer" because he wants to join him in Spain.

The Portugal winger has been heavily linked with a move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid in recent weeks, having previously described the possibility of making the Bernabeu his new footballing home as "a dream".

And according to former Newcastle winger Viana, who grew up with Ronaldo in the Sporting Lisbon youth teams, the 22-year-old is now desperate to realise that ambition.

"He won't be at United for much longer. It's complicated for them to keep him now," said Viana. "Ronaldo has worked hard and, within a little time, he will be with another team more important than United.

"Everyone knows if teams like Barca and Madrid want a player, they end up signing him. He's very modest but, in every way, we know he'd like to come," the former Newcastle player told The Sun.

Ronaldo has arguably been United's, if not the Premiership's, best player this season and is second in the scoring charts with 15 league goals.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson rested the winger last weekend after it was reported he was suffering from a virus.

History, however, proves that Ferguson is not very understanding when it comes to players speculating on their future but the Scot will not want to upset his form player either, with another title so close to his grasp.

If Ronaldo was to leave United would surely be able to benefit to the tune of at least €50 million.