Ruud’s agent does u-turn on Real link

The agent of Manchester United and Netherlands international striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has played down the rumours linking his client to Liga big guns Real Madrid.

The player’s agent had initially hinted his client could be on the go and off to Real Madrid at the end of the season, but he came back on his words and confirmed the Dutch striker was totally happy at Old Trafford.

"Ruud is happy at Manchester United. He's in the process of buying a house in Manchester. Previously he had rented but now he's buying. Why would he buy a house if he wants to leave the club?,” Linse told Manchester Evening News.

Van Nistelrooy’s Red Devils contract is now due to expire before June 2008.