Reported Manchester United target Everton Ribeiro has revealed that he would turn down a move to Real Madrid in order to ply his trade at Old Trafford.
The Cruzeiro winger has repeatedly been linked with a switch to the Premier League champions as new manager David Moyes prepares to make his mark on the Red Devils playing squad in January.
Other clubs are also believed to be interested in the £7m-rated Brazilian, but he has given United the go-ahead to make a bid by indicating that they would be his first-choice destination, above even Los Blancos.
"Yes, I would prefer that [to join Manchester United]," he told reporters. "The structure they have in place is one of the best in the world. I have been there already and went to a lecture by [Sir] Alex Ferguson when I was younger.
"I feel I am ready to play in any part of the world. If you play for Cruzeiro, you can play in any place. I would fit in any part of the midfield. I would do well as a playmaker to support the attack."
Ribeiro, 24, recently helped Cruzeiro to win the Brazilian title for the first time in 10 years.
Joe Fish
