Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz believes Real Madrid's attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo is a Spanish ploy to distract Portugal at Euro 2008.

Portugal, captained by Ronaldo, and Spain are among the favourites to win this summer's European Championship and the two sides have fought a long-standing rivalry.

United have been angered by Real's open admiration of Ronaldo, but Queiroz also believes the move for his compatriot is evidence that Spain are attempting to unsettle Portugal ahead of their opening Euro 2008 match against Turkey on 7th June.

"Cristiano Ronaldo will never be Spanish," Queiroz told Portuguese newspaper Jornal do Noticias.

"It's being done in a manner to distract the Portugal team, at the height of their preparations for the European Championship.

"But I am convinced that despite pressure from the Spanish sporting press he will not accept to change his nationality.

"However, it is an attack with a well-defined strategy and Portugal should be worried about that."