By Chris O'Brien
July 29 2006

Real Madrid have made an improved offer for want-away United star Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The deal is said to include a single, one-off £10.5million transfer payment for the unhappy Dutchman.

Real Madrid have made an improved offer for Ruud Van Nistelrooy as the Spanish giants continue to battle it out with Bayern Munich for the player's signature.

Reports suggest Madrid have increased their initial offer to a bid in the region of £10.5million, still some £4.5million away from United's valuation of the player. However, the offer involves a complete 'up-front' settlement rather than payments in instalments, which may make the deal more attractive to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The La Liga outfit have said to have confirmed this will be their 'final offer' for Van Nistelrooy, giving United some serious thinking to do with the start of the new Premiership season only three weeks away. It remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich will follow suit with an improved offer for the striker.