Ronaldo, who is now 30, has been less than impressed with the methods of Real’s new coach, Rafael Benitez. PHOTO: AFP
M.E.N. Sport reports that United are putting together a transfer offer for Ronaldo, which would most likely be a club record deal, six years after the Portuguese forward left for Real Madrid in an £80m move.
Despite bringing in the likes of Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, United are looking to secure a marquee signing, similar to Angel di Maria’s British record £59.7m arrival last year.
Ronaldo has been linked with a return to United as recently as 2013, during David Moyes’ only season in charge. However, the then 28-year-old signed a new contract with Real Madrid until 2018.
"There was talk of Ronaldo when I first arrived," Moyes said last year. "We were close to getting a couple of major names."
Ronaldo, who is now 30, has been less than impressed with the methods of Real’s new coach, Rafael Benitez. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner was bemused to hear of plans to use him as the club’s main striker, as opposed to playing in his usual role on the left wing.
Ronaldo is also understood to be saddened by Real's treatment of departing goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was rather unceremoniously sold to Porto, despite 16 years of service.
Ronaldo was not as prolific as United as he is now at Real, but still managed to score 118 goals in 292 United games, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Club World Cup. Since then, he has developed into arguably the best player in the world, along with Lionel Messi.
Tottenham monitor Berahino to couple with Kane
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring West Bromwich striker Saido Berahino, with a view to submitting a bid to pair him with fellow England starlet Harry Kane.
Spurs are noticeably lacking in reliable strikers, with manager Mauricio Pochettino desperate to strengthen his attack. The Daily Mirror reports that Tottenham are ready to make a firm bid for West Brom forward Berahino, who was also a target for the London club in January.
However, West Brom held firm and refused to sell in the winter transfer window, and are looking to tie Berahino down to a new contract.
The player is currently on £15,000-a-week and has two years left on his current deal, although West Brom are keen to give him a pay rise and extension.
Tottenham are in dire need of bringing in a new striker, despite Kane’s emergence as a top-class talent last term, the view being that another striker would help alleviate some of the pressure on the young man’s shoulders. Tottenham’s recent purchases in the striking department have been unsuccessful.
Roberto Soldado is looking to transfer back to his native Spain after failing to justify his £26m transfer fee, whilst out-of-favour Emmanuel Adebayor is believed to be a target for the Baggies themselves and neighbours Aston Villa, managed by former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood.
Newcastle seeking Austin’s powers
Newcastle are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Charlie Austin from QPR, whilst their deal for Chancel Mbemba looks close to completion.
However, QPR are playing hard-to-get with Austin, refusing to budge from their £15m valuation of the English striker.
Mbemba will follow his old teammate Aleksander Mitrovic in transferring from Belgian club Anderlecht to Newcastle. The 20-year-old centre back is expected to complete the formalities of his £8.5m move from the Belgian giants on Friday.
The deal for Austin on the other hand is proving complicated, as the Tyneside club are unwilling to meet QPR’s £15m valuation. Reports are indicating that Austin is keen to work with both manager McClaren and coach Steve Black, who knows Austin well from their time at QPR.
However, QPR’s approach has led to them hinting that Austin may even be kept on at the London club until the start of the season, unless their valuation is met.
“There have been offers. A player of Charlie’s ability, there will always be speculation,” QPR boss Chris Ramsay told Sky.
“At the moment, there has been nothing concrete. We’ve had offers that we’ve rejected, and we’ve had offers that Charlie himself has not been happy to take on.
“At the moment, he’s a QPR player and he’s working hard in training. I’m having the idea that he will be here into the season. If he is here during the season then he is going to be someone that we want to use.”
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