Paper Talk: Man Utd have hope as superstar sets separation plan; contrasting verdicts over West Ham, Chelsea transfer
Manchester United have reason for optimism if they are to try and re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo, while opinion is split on whether West Ham are still in the running for one of their major targets – all in Tuesday’s transfer gossip.
RONALDO READY FOR MAN UTD RETURN?
Manchester United are on alert after Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo began working on a separation plan, according to reports in Italy.
As per La Repubblica, Ronaldo and Juventus feel it may be time to go their separate ways. The multiple Ballon d’Or winner was a massive signing for them a few years back, but now their financial situation means they may have to sacrifice him.
With one year left on his contract, speculation about Ronaldo’s future will be reaching a climax. And it has been speculated that there may be an opening for Man Utd.
Cited by the Daily Mirror, it is claimed that Man Utd have a slim chance of luring their former number 7 back to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell with United before leaving in a then-world-record transfer to Real Madrid.
Although United have signed Jadon Sancho to strengthen their attack and secured Edinson Cavani for another year, the chance to re-sign Ronaldo would be the stuff of dreams for the Old Trafford faithful.
Rivals ready for Ronaldo battle
But elsewhere, El Chiringuito claim that Carlo Ancelotti would also like to sign Ronaldo to take him back to Real Madrid.
Any suitor for Ronaldo would have to commit to his huge wages, which may be a risk given he is now 36 years old. However, he is showing little sign of slowing down, so any team would be thrilled to have him.
There has even been speculation of a potential move to PSG, where he could link up with regular Ballon d’Or rival Lionel Messi. According to French football expert Julien Laurens, though, PSG have no interest in such a deal at present.
A more surprising route for Ronaldo would be back to Manchester – with former rivals Man City. According to Corriere Dello Sport, he has been offered to the Premier League champions.
The Italian paper also provided an update on his price tag, which would be a relative bargain of £26m. That is the lowest fee Juventus could accept to not make a loss.
Interest from City has been denied by other sources, but United can seemingly retain a glimmer of hope that their former superstar could return.
The prospect of him staying at Juventus cannot be ruled out, but it seems they are genuinely planning for a future apart. The split could materialise sooner rather than later.
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CONFLICTING ZOUMA CLAIMS
West Ham have not given up hope of signing Kurt Zouma from Chelsea, but it depends on whether the latter can sign Jules Kounde. (The Guardian)
Besides, Zouma’s £120,000-per-week wages have forced the Hammers to step aside from the transfer pursuit. (The Sun)
West Ham are still hopeful of re-signing Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis after Man Utd dropped their asking price. (Daily Express)
Leeds are confident that Patrick Bamford will agree to a new contract despite interest from Spurs. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea are in talks with Lyon over the prospect of offloading third-choice left-back Emerson Palmieri. (The Guardian)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Man Utd to give new contracts to Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw. Talks with Paul Pogba are ongoing. (The Sun)
LEEDS EYEING TWO MIDFIELDERS
Leeds are ready to make a new offer for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien. (Daily Star)
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are also still in the mix for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, who is a target for Tottenham as well. (Daily Express)
Newcastle will let Matty Longstaff leave on loan following their signing of Joe Willock. Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town are interested. (Newcastle Chronicle)
Manchester City will step up their efforts to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham as the transfer deadline approaches on the horizon. (ESPN)
Arsenal are considering a swap deal with Barcelona to sign full-back Emerson Royal to replace Hector Bellerin. (Daily Star)
AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Jordan Henderson has an agreement in principle to extend his Liverpool contract. (The Athletic)
Middlesbrough and Millwall are among the Championship clubs who want Manchester City striker Liam Delap on loan. (Daily Star)
Paris Saint-Germain are willing to offer Paul Pogba wages of £510,000 per week to sign him on a free transfer next summer. (Independent)
Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is a target for Spartak Moscow, despite also having suitors in the Premier League. (Scottish Sun)
Granit Xhaka has put pen to paper on his new Arsenal contract, although the announcement is still missing. (The Guardian)
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