Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Cristiano Ronaldo will not be lulled into believing rumours of interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Manchester United winger has enjoyed a superb season and is in negotiations to extend his Old Trafford contract until 2012.
But reports have claimed that Spanish giants Barca and Real are keen to tempt the Portugal international to La Liga.
Ferguson has accused the two clubs of using Ronaldo as a pawn in their presidential election campaigns and expects the player to ignore the purported overtures from Spain.
"Let's be perfectly clear, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been doing this ever since I have been at this club," said Ferguson.
"When the elections are on, the best player in the world is always used, there is no doubt about that.
"Cristiano is not silly enough not to realise he is being used as a pawn.
"They may be right, they may want him, but there is no doubt there is another motive to it and that is the elections."
With regards to the contract negotiations, Ferguson concedes there is a likely limit as to how much the club are prepared to pay.
He added: "There could be a limit.
"They might ask for X and we might only want to pay Y. But that is negotiation. Eventually, if both parties want it, they will come to an agreement."
CKeer
Some club's president promised to sign Kaka and Fabregas if he is elected but look at where they are now?
Cheers. CK
used
Originally posted by CKeer:
Some club's president promised to sign Kaka and Fabregas if he is elected but look at where they are now?