Manchester United willing to listen to offers for Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, Sky Sports report.

Ronaldo has not turned up for pre-season training for four days in a row, citing family reasons, something United have accepted.

Sky Sports has been told Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has spent the past few weeks selling the ‘Cristiano effect’ to potential suitors.

The Portugal international’s brand would automatically enhance a club’s status through his social media channels and ‘new markets’ influence.

Chelsea

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, who is operating as the club’s interim sporting director, is among those who have listened to Mendes regarding a move for Ronaldo.

Boehly is considering a move for the veteran forward, who scored 18 Premier League goals in an underperforming United team in 2021-22.

At the time of writing, Chelsea are working on deals for Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Leeds United’s Raphinha.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will have the final decision on the London club’s summer signings.

Bayern Munich rule themselves out

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Napoli have also been in contact with Mendes, a close friend of Ronaldo’s.

Ronaldo will not be joining Bayern, according to the Bundesliga club’s chief executive Oliver Kahn, who says such a move would go against the German champions’ philosophy.

“As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest, a transfer would not fit into our philosophy,” Kahn told German outlet Kicker.

Can clubs afford Ronaldo’s wages?

The main issue for clubs will be Ronaldo’s wages and he may have to consider taking a pay cut if he wants to return to Champions League action in the 2022-23 season.

He was due to rejoin his United team-mates on Monday, but has instead trained at Portugal’s training base - Cidade do Futebol - so far this week.

Transfer window concern

Just one year since rejoining United, Ronaldo is reportedly concerned at United’s transfer activity this summer. On Tuesday the club announced new manager Erik Ten Hag’s first signing with the arrival of 22-year-old left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

More deals in the pipeline

United are expected to announce the signing of midfielder Christian Eriksen after the 30-year-old Denmark international agreed in principle to join the Old Trafford outfit on a free transfer.

Eriksen is set to sign a three-year deal at the club, who are still in talks for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martínez.

United and Barcelona have agreed on a €65 million guaranteed fee for Frenkie de Jong but still need to work on the €20 million in add-ons. Personal terms also need to be ironed out with the Dutch midfielder.

De Jong reportedly wants to stay at Barça and has a contract at the club until 2026. He previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax, something that could swing the move in United’s favour.

Ten Hag keen on Martínez to bolster defence

Ten Hag is keen to sign Argentina international Lisandro Martínez to strengthen the club’s defence ahead of the new season. The player is hoping to leave Dutch champions Ajax. Arsenal are also trying to sign the 24-year-old centre-back.

Talks have also taken place with Ajax for 22-year-old forward Antony, but new boss Alfred Schreuder indicated: “He has a contract until 2025. I want to work with him, and the club knows this.”

Ronaldo’s departure would leave United light in attack and new boss Ten Hag would have to add to the club’s current shortlist of players if he does decide to leave Old Trafford again.