The Dutch star is concerned about the impact Ronaldo's massive wage deal would have on the rest of the team, saying it could cause tension in the dressing room.

Sneijder said in AS: "The truth is that could happen a bit. It would be bad for the squad if one player had a much higher salary than the rest.

"It would not matter to me, but I know that there are other players that would not like that.

"But I do not want to say much because every day there is different news. Cristiano is a great player with incredible quality and if he joins Madrid then he will be welcomed.

"We cannot comment on it now because to speak highly of him would be slightly disrespectful to the players that are already here and have shown their class.

"There are already similar players to him here, like (Arjen) Robben and Robinho. It is clear that he would be a useful acquisition, but also maintaining the stability within the squad is important.

"I do not think that Madrid need to sign anyone. In the final games of last season we were very solid and the team showed it has grown a lot. Maybe the only thing we do need is to sign a forward.

"This squad is strong and next term we will become even better. But I suppose that if you bring in a player with great quality it could be good for the team."

Of team-mate Robinho, who has been linked with a move away from the club should Ronaldo sign, Sneijder said: "I want Robinho to stay with Madrid because I think that he is almost the same as Cristiano Ronaldo.

"People criticize him a bit and say he does not play well in big games, but I have seen Ronaldo disappear in some of Manchester United's big games.

"I am not criticizing because I just want to point out that a player cannot be at the same level all year round."