Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado insists his side should not place too much emphasis on signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish champions have yet to spend in the transfer market this summer, but have still dominated the headlines with their incessant pursuit of Manchester United winger Ronaldo.

While senior squad members Raul and Guti have welcomed their club's interest in the Portugal star, other players such as Brazil forward Robinho have become unsettled by reports that they are set to be used as bargaining chips in the deal to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

Salgado is among those who believe the United player would be a welcome addition to the squad, but he urged people at the capital club not to lose sight of other objectives.

"It's clear he brings with him the most difficult thing in football, which is the one-against-one, because there are very few people with that quality," Salgado said.

"At the same time I don't think we should lose our heads over a signing. If it goes through we'll welcome him, if not we'll be calm.

"We're going for number 10 (10th European Cup) whether Cristiano comes or not, but he'll surely help us to pick up more (trophies).

"It is known that the club will try any way they can to sign him. If he comes he'll give us a leap in quality and if he doesn't we'll work with what we have to win titles, which is our objective."

It is widely believed Madrid were aiming to let Robinho leave the club should Ronaldo arrive, or use him in a trade deal for the winger - a situation which has led the Brazilian's agent Wagner Ribeiro to claim that his client is not rated highly enough by the club.

Speculation has been rife that Robinho is on his way to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea favourites for his signature. Ribeiro claimed the Blues were winning the race due to Robinho's desire to link up with their new boss, fellow Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

But Salgado believes it would be a mistake to allow the 24-year-old to leave.

"What we want is for him (Robinho) to be happy, first of all, to be here and to be happy," Salgado continued.

"Let's see if this situation can get sorted out because if Cristiano doesn't come he'll be the most important piece in the one-on-ones.

"I would demand more from Robinho. He has the ability to be very important in this Real Madrid side, but he has to feel like he can be one of those players who can tip the balance in a game."

While Salgado was more than willing to offer his opinion on Robinho and Ronaldo, the veteran right-back was not so forthcoming on the reported interest in Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o.

Eto'o has been told he can leave the Nou Camp this summer, and although he is reportedly the subject interest from Madrid, it would be a controversial move for the player who left on a sour note in 2000.

Salgado limited himself to saying: "I don't like talking about speculation, I can talk about (reported target Rafael) Van der Vaart, Ronaldo, but not speculation."

Finally, on his own future he revealed he had no interest in playing lower league football in England.

Championship side Queens Park Rangers have been linked with a move for the 32-year-old, but Salgado insisted his intention is to bring the curtain down on his career in Spain.

"I'm not thinking about the Queens Park Rangers business," he said. "I've practically made up my mind to retire at Real Madrid."

More news from SportingLife.com