David Beckham is reportedly keen to sign Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo for his new Miami-based football team.
Beckham confirmed earlier this month that he will set up an MLS franchise in the city, although no date for its formation has yet been announced.
However, The Sun claims that Beckham hopes that his new side will be in action by 2017, and that the former England captain plans to pull out all the stops to bring the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner to Florida.
The newspaper quotes an MLS source as saying: "Becks understands the need for a big, big name in the team when it gets going. And none come bigger than Ronaldo — the world's greatest player.
"Ronaldo loves America and all that it offers. It's not a secret he has thought about finishing his career here, about living here — so a deal like this could be perfect for him.
"It is a long way off yet — we're talking 2017 — but it clearly demonstrates the ambition of the Beckham franchise."
Ronaldo, 29, is under contract at Real until June 2018.
Robert Summerscales
