Real Madrid have made a second bid to sign Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, BBC Sport reported on Wednesday. The Spanish giants' initial bid was turned down by United last week, and now Real have reportedly increased their offer to 10.3 million sterling pounds ($18.9 million). "The club have made a new offer and are waiting for reply from Manchester," a Real Madrid spokesman said. United's valuation for the Dutch international is believed to be around 15 million pounds.
The nine-time European champions are facing a stiff competition from Bayern Munich on Nistelrooy's signature. Bayern's supervisory board chairman, Franz Beckenbauer, has recently expressed his confidence in luring the 30-year-old striker to the Allianz Arena. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said that Nistelrooy will continue training with his teammates until any change happens in the situation. The Holland international informed United he wants to leave after a bust-up with Ferguson in the closing stages of last season. Van Nistelrooy was left out of the side for the League Cup final and the rift between the forward and the Scottish tactician escalated when he stomped off the grounds before Manchester United's final game of the season.
