Transfer News: Manchester United given hope of Cristiano Ronaldo return
According to Record (h/t The Sun), Manchester United have been handed fresh hope in their transfer pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
This comes after superagent Jorge Mendes admitted that the player is not keen to return to Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese sensation began his career with the Iberian giants before moving to Manchester United.
The Leoes won their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years this season. This led to Ronaldo’s mother vowing to do what she could to bring him back to where it all began. Her son, however, appears to have different ideas.
Mendes has now revealed that a return to Portugal is not on the agenda at the moment. While Ronaldo is happy with his former side’s success, it would appear he isn’t too keen to join in.
“At the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
This could very well open the door for United to make their move. It was at Old Trafford that the 36-year-old developed into a world-class player. One of the finest to ever don the red jersey, it remains to be seen if he still has a role to play in our history.
Return to familiar haunts?
Juventus are going through a tough spell and could even end the season without qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Despite leading the club’s scoring charts, the 36-year-old has Ronaldo has often found himself bearing the brunt of the criticism.
The player appears to have enough and is looking for a way out. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would only be glad to sign him, United will, however, need him to take a pay cut.
It was reported recently that Ronaldo is in fact willing to reduce his wages in order to make a move. Curiously enough, this will still make him the highest-earner at United.
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While Ronaldo’s willingness to take a pay cut is good news, it still fall short of the 50 per cent reduction that United were seeking. With Sporting now out of the picture, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will make their move.
Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to impress and has scored 29 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Juventus this season. He leads the Italian top-flight scoring charts and has shown he still has a couple of years left at this level.
