United on the brink of Ronaldo reunion
dailystar
Manchester United are on the verge of sealing a stunning 80 million pound ($121 million) deal to bring back former star-player Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford, according to Britains The Daily Star.
The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal with the Spanish giants, and his reluctance to so far discuss fresh terms has seen United swoop in for the unsettled Portuguese.
United and Real Madrid have reportedly spent the last 12 days negotiating a mammoth 80 million pound package, and the 20-time Premier League champions are increasingly optimistic of landing their man.
David Moyes made his move some two weeks ago, after learning of Madrids aggressive pursuit of PFA player of the year Gareth Bale.
After initial doubts regarding a possible move, United have now been buoyed by Reals willingness to discuss the idea of selling their talisman, with the player himself expressing interest in a return to England.
New Manchester United chief executive Edward Woodward contacted Madrid president Florentino Perez, after the player stalled on talks over a contract extension.
Perez is thought to have sought assurances Ronaldo would commit to a new deal, but was shocked when the striker revealed his desire to return to Manchester instead.
That prompted Real to open talks with their British counterparts, in the knowledge that Ronaldos value would depreciate considerably if he stayed for another season.
With Ronaldos heart set on a reunion with his former employers, Perez is believed to be chasing Bales signature in order to placate the infamously judgmental Madrid fans, who are expected to be livid when Real sanction Ronaldos sale.
United have been happy to openly discuss their overtures for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with the media exposure meaning work on the Ronaldo transfer could be done quietly in the background.
In a highly complicated package, reports suggest that some of the money from Ronaldos exorbitant wages will be paid by motor juggernaut General Motors, making the Portugal star their global ambassador.
Chevrolet, owned by GM, became Uniteds principal club sponsors at the end of last season and view Ronaldo as the ideal man to boost their image globally, and in North and South America during the World Cup year.
Uniteds bid for the Real maestro is one of the reasons that Wayne Rooneys transfer to Chelsea has been held up.
Despite public claims the 27-year-old striker is not for sale, United would be willing to off-load the former Everton man, once they can enthuse fans with a marquee signing of their own.
The Premier League champions are reportedly bracing themselves for the wantaway striker handing in an imminent transfer request, as Chelsea step up their interest in the frontman.
The Blues, who have already had a 26 million pound bid rejected for Rooney, will come back with an improved offer of 30 million pounds, with Man United believed to be ready to do business.
Since the arrival of league top scorer Robin van Persie last season, Rooney has been pushed to the periphery of the United side, and even played in midfield at times to accommodate the free-scoring Dutchman.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid rebuffed claims that Liverpool had made a bid for their Brazilian forward Diego Costa. The Spanish Cup champions told Spanish daily AS that they had not received any offers for the 24-year-old, from Liverpool or any other club.
Atletico reiterated that there was no chance of Costa departing the Vincente Calderon this season or next.
Several British newspapers reported Thursday that Liverpool made a 21.8 million pound bid for Costa, a figure that was intended to trigger his release clause.
The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal with the Spanish giants, and his reluctance to so far discuss fresh terms has seen United swoop in for the unsettled Portuguese.
United and Real Madrid have reportedly spent the last 12 days negotiating a mammoth 80 million pound package, and the 20-time Premier League champions are increasingly optimistic of landing their man.
David Moyes made his move some two weeks ago, after learning of Madrids aggressive pursuit of PFA player of the year Gareth Bale.
After initial doubts regarding a possible move, United have now been buoyed by Reals willingness to discuss the idea of selling their talisman, with the player himself expressing interest in a return to England.
New Manchester United chief executive Edward Woodward contacted Madrid president Florentino Perez, after the player stalled on talks over a contract extension.
Perez is thought to have sought assurances Ronaldo would commit to a new deal, but was shocked when the striker revealed his desire to return to Manchester instead.
That prompted Real to open talks with their British counterparts, in the knowledge that Ronaldos value would depreciate considerably if he stayed for another season.
With Ronaldos heart set on a reunion with his former employers, Perez is believed to be chasing Bales signature in order to placate the infamously judgmental Madrid fans, who are expected to be livid when Real sanction Ronaldos sale.
United have been happy to openly discuss their overtures for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with the media exposure meaning work on the Ronaldo transfer could be done quietly in the background.
In a highly complicated package, reports suggest that some of the money from Ronaldos exorbitant wages will be paid by motor juggernaut General Motors, making the Portugal star their global ambassador.
Chevrolet, owned by GM, became Uniteds principal club sponsors at the end of last season and view Ronaldo as the ideal man to boost their image globally, and in North and South America during the World Cup year.
Uniteds bid for the Real maestro is one of the reasons that Wayne Rooneys transfer to Chelsea has been held up.
Despite public claims the 27-year-old striker is not for sale, United would be willing to off-load the former Everton man, once they can enthuse fans with a marquee signing of their own.
The Premier League champions are reportedly bracing themselves for the wantaway striker handing in an imminent transfer request, as Chelsea step up their interest in the frontman.
The Blues, who have already had a 26 million pound bid rejected for Rooney, will come back with an improved offer of 30 million pounds, with Man United believed to be ready to do business.
Since the arrival of league top scorer Robin van Persie last season, Rooney has been pushed to the periphery of the United side, and even played in midfield at times to accommodate the free-scoring Dutchman.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid rebuffed claims that Liverpool had made a bid for their Brazilian forward Diego Costa. The Spanish Cup champions told Spanish daily AS that they had not received any offers for the 24-year-old, from Liverpool or any other club.
Atletico reiterated that there was no chance of Costa departing the Vincente Calderon this season or next.
Several British newspapers reported Thursday that Liverpool made a 21.8 million pound bid for Costa, a figure that was intended to trigger his release clause.
