The FIFA chief has surprisingly backed Real Madrid's bid in approaching the Portuguese ace, as long as it conforms to the latter's own desire.

"The important thing is, we should also protect the player," he told Sky Sports News.

"If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it's not good for the player and for the club.

"I'm always in favor of protecting the player and if the player, he wants to leave, let him leave."

Blatter went on to describe transfer cases nowadays as modern slavery, expressing his disagreement to the concept of long-term contracts.

"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere," he added.

"We are trying now to intervene in such cases. The reaction to the Bosman law is to make long-lasting contacts in order to keep the players and then if he wants to leave, then there is only one solution, he has to pay his contract."

United Response

Subsequent to Blatter's comments, United replied instantly as they stand firm against Ronaldo's 'dream' move to the Primera Liga champions.

"All our players - like at other clubs - enter into their contracts after an open and free negotiation," a United spokesman said.

"Most of whom do after taking advice from a FIFA-registered agent.

"Many do so on a number of occasions and enjoy long and successful stays at Old Trafford."