We scoffed at first too, but there might actually be fire accompanying this particular plume of smoke
If Cristiano Ronaldo were ever to leave Real Madrid, the assumption was always that it would be to return to Manchester United, but a new player has entered the game, one with the deep pockets to potentially fund a move for the Portugal star this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain have put Ronaldo top of their offseason wishlist and are willing to pay the 30-year-old’s astronomical wages and the reported €120million transfer fee, once they overcome a few sizeable obstacles. First, even the Middle East money men behind the PSG machine can’t afford to pay both Ronaldo and Zlatan, so the Swede would have to leave the club, as will several others in order for the French treble winners to comply with their FFP obligations. But the interest is real and mutual, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
FFP might be causing some headscratching in Paris, but in Manchester it’s all systems go, with the City chequebook warmed up and ready to go. City are desperate to finally break through in Europe, and have earmarked a massive £150million to bring three players to the club – Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba (£65million), Raheem Sterling (£40m) and Bundesliga player of the year Kevin de Bruyne, pictured above (£45m). (Mirror)
If that’s not enough, Angel di Maria has also been linked with a move across the Manchester divide. The volume of reports surrounding the Argentina playmaker suggests a move away from Old Trafford is as likely as another season in red, but if Di Maria is determined to leave, United would surely rather do business with PSG, Bayern Munich of Barcelona. (Sunday Times)
With bids coming in for Sterling, and Liverpool certain to drive a hard bargain if they do decide to cash in on the young England forward, Arsenal have admitted they will likely be priced out of a move for the 20-year-old. (Evening Standard)
Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi remains the favourite to shore up the Manchester United defence, but an interesting alternative has emerged in the form of Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos, a story which also includes the fact that Ramos is currently in negotiations over a bumper new contract. We’ll hang up and listen. (Star)
More likely is that United once again turn to Everton for a young star, with John Stones tipped to break Toffee hearts and follow Wayne Rooney to Old Trafford (Mail on Sunday)
Finally, Jose Mourinho has pulled off a big double signing to begin his summer. The Chelsea boss has put pen to paper on a huge four-year contract extension worth a reported £7.25million a year net, putting him in the same pay region as the world’s best-paid players, let alone coaches, while he has also agreed terms with Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, with only the terms of his move from Monaco to be settled. (Sunday Times)
