Cristiano Ronaldo is open to taking a pay cut to join Chelsea in January, while Real Madrid want a Man Utd defender…
BACK IN FOR RONNY
Chelsea could renew their interest in Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window, according to reports.
There were reports over the summer that new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wanted to sign the Portugal international but Thomas Tuchel – who has now been sacked – turned down the possible transfer.
Ronaldo spent much of the summer looking for a way out of Old Trafford with Champions League football off the agenda this term after Man Utd finished sixth last campaign. There have been signs of frustration from Ronaldo this season with Erik ten Hag only selecting him for two Premier League starts.
Ten Hag left him out of the squad to face Chelsea on Saturday after refusing to come off the bench in United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham last week. Ronaldo also left the ground early as Man Utd fined the 37-year-old for showing dissent on two occasions.
And now speculation is building that he will once again look to leave Old Trafford in the next transfer window with the Sunday World claiming Chelsea are ‘pondering’ over a move for Ronaldo.
Chelsea ‘may be about to renew their interest in signing’ Ronaldo with the Blues owners particularly attracted to ‘his huge commercial appeal off the field’. Chelsea ‘are again being tempted by a move for Ronaldo, with a short-term deal possible in January as he looks to end his miserable spell at Old Trafford’.
Stamford Bridge is ’emerging as one of his more likely destinations’ with a short-term deal until the end of the season a possibility, including an option to extend his terms by another year. The Sunday World describe it as the ‘ideal solution for Ronaldo and United’ with a parting of ways set to be ‘discussed in the next 48 hours’.
The report adds: ‘Sources have claimed Ronaldo may even be prepared to take a pay-cut on his current United salary to secure a move away from United.’
REAL DEAL
Real Madrid are keen on signing Man Utd right-back Diogo Dalot after having the door shut on any deal for Man City’s Joao Cancelo, according to reports.
Dalot has been in good form this season for the Red Devils with new Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag preferring him to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Portugal international has started all 11 of United’s Premier League matches this campaign and has helped them make a fairly solid start to the season.
And the Daily Mirror claims that the 23-year-old has now ’emerged as a target’ for Real Madrid after they ‘were told to forget any hopes they may harbour of landing’ Cancelo from City.
Unsurprisingly, the Citizens have ‘no interest in letting him go’ and now Real are turning their attention elsewhere with Carlo Ancelotti desperate to bring in another wing-back in the next couple of transfer windows.
Real’s scout reports on Dalot have ‘been positive’ with the Los Blancos recruitment department impressed by him ‘both professionally and personally’. Dalot’s deal at Old Trafford runs out next summer and his agent has made it clear that he isn’t currently looking to renew.
The Red Devils can trigger a one-year extension but they are still in a vulnerable position if Real decide to make a bid for Dalot – but there is an ‘expectation that he will fetch at least £35m’.
AND THE REST…
Manchester United have received no interest in Ronaldo despite making him available on a free transfer…Manchester City are looking at Napoli striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – the 21-year-old forward has been dubbed the new Georgi Kinkladze…Manchester United have joined Liverpool in the race to sign £10m-rated Colombian forward Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire…West Brom have held talks with former Derby County boss Liam Rosenior over their vacant manager’s position…Newcastle are prepared to spend £25m to sign Brighton forward Leandro Trossard in January…Tottenham could be prepared to make a £43m bid for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
