Cristiano Ronaldo is to have ankle surgery next week after being told by a Manchester United-appointed specialist that an operation is required to resolve his longstanding injury. The 23-year-old forward was examined in Portugal yesterday by a specialist flown out by the club to assess the damage to his right ankle.

United said last night that the latest reports that the Portugal player is about to move to Real Madrid were “utter nonsense” and insisted that he is not for sale. “It [the claim] is utter nonsense and totally laughable — Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale,” a club spokesman said.

Taylor renews deal

Steven Taylor, the 22-year-old defender, has signed a three-year contract at Newcastle United believed to be worth £35,000 a week. A Newcastle spokesman described as “absolute nonsense” claims that Mike Ashley, the owner, has put a price tag of £420 million on the club after a report suggested that InterMedia Partners, the American private equity fund, had been told that it was available for that figure.

Niemi nears return

Antti Niemi will return to full fitness in about three weeks after the Fulham and Finland goalkeeper had an operation on his injured wrist. The 36-year-old, who is available for transfer and has been linked with the role of second choice at Liverpool, will start fitness training on Monday, but he will be prevented from playing in matches to protect his wrist. He suffered the injury last season.

Wednesday hold-up

Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover is in doubt because of concerns over the validity of an offer for club shares made by the Geoff Sheard consortium. Sheard made a formal offer for the 10 per cent stake held by Wednesdayite, the supporters’ trust, but lawyers told Wednesdayite not to vote on the offer until Sheard satisfies their demand for greater transparency.

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