Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered a two-year contract by Manchester United, reports have spectacularly claimed. The Juventus star’s future in Turin is currently up in the air. And a move away from the Allianz Stadium could take place in this summer’s transfer window.
Ronaldo has plundered home 81 goals from 94 Serie A appearances since joining Juventus from Real Madrid back in the summer transfer window of 2018.
But with the Old Lady looking to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, the 36-year-old could be cut loose.
Ronaldo has insisted he’s currently focused on Euro 2020, with Portugal in action against Hungary later today (5pm).
And he’ll enter that match with speculation over his future ramping up, with La Gazzetta dello Sport boldly claiming United have pitched a two-year contract to the veteran.
It’s claimed United have offered him a deal worth €20million per annum, which works out roughly at £17.2m per year, or £330,000-a-week.
That would make Ronaldo the club’s second highest-earner behind only David De Gea, who pockets a cool £350,000-a-week over at Old Trafford.
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Any deal isn’t straightforward, however.
Juventus would like Paul Pogba as part of a swap deal involving Ronaldo and, with Solskjaer keen to keep hold of the France international, that represents a barrier they need to overcome.
And then there’s the player himself.
The veteran reportedly wants £26.7m per year from whoever he joins next, believing he’s entitled to a staggering £513,000 per week.
Ronaldo is open to returning to United but the club aren’t wasting time and, though they want the Juventus star back, it’s acknowledged Jadon Sancho is their preferred target for the time being.
Sancho has been on the club’s radar ever since 2017, when Jose Mourinho tried to snap him up when he got wind the young winger would be leaving Manchester City behind.
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United tried to land the Dortmund star in 2019, only to end up swooping for Daniel James after their failure to secure Champions League qualification counted against them.
And they were priced out of a move last summer, leading them into snapping up Edinson Cavani on a free transfer as an alternative.
Ronaldo previously spent six years at United.
Signed as David Beckham’s replacement in 2003, he initially struggled to adjust to life in England – being accused of overplaying the ball.
But he returned from the 2006 World Cup a player transformed and went on to fire the Red Devils to three straight Premier League titles between 2007 and 2009, as well as the Champions League crown.
Ronaldo broke his silence over his future when speaking on Monday, saying: “I have been playing at the highest level for many years, this doesn’t faze me.
“Maybe if I was 18 or 19 I might have had some sleepless nights, but I’m 36.
“Whatever comes will be for the best regardless of staying at Juve or being transferred.
“The crucial thing now is the Euros, it is my fifth Euros, but for me it’s like my first Euros. We want to play a good match with good thoughts from the first to the last match.”
Speaking in 2014, Ronaldo admitted he’d love to return to United one day.
“I love Manchester,” he said.
“Everyone knows that. Manchester is in my heart.
“The supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day.”
However, if Ronaldo were to go back to Old Trafford, he’d likely have to take another number.
The No 7 jersey is currently occupied by Edinson Cavani and, with the 34-year-old a vital asset, it’s unlikely he’d give it up without a fight.