Cristiano Ronaldo has been loosely linked with a return to Manchester United ever since he left for Real Madrid back in 2009.
But this summer the rumours have gone into overdrive amid claims the Juventus forward could leave the Serie A club.
Juventus failed to win Serie A for the first time in 10 years last season and given the finances involved to keep Ronaldo in Italy, the Turin-based club are allegedly open to the idea of selling.
Ronaldo has remained in contact with Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the years and is said to be genuinely considering a return to Old Trafford before he hangs up his boots.
And a recent transfer admission from none other than Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic may provide United with the boost they need.
According to the former Barcelona ace, who spoke to Croatian publication 24sata, Ronaldo wanted to have a say in Juventus’ transfer business when he first joined the club.
Rakitic claims that Ronaldo spoke to him on the phone and suggested he sign for Juventus.
It seems the Croatian was behind the idea, but Juventus pulled the plug on the deal because Barcelona were looking for around €50million to sell and the Italian’s deemed this to be too much.
Rakitic eventually moved to Sevilla and Ronaldo never got the chance to play alongside him.
It doesn’t appear that Ronaldo was put out by the failed transfer, but it suggests he hasn’t had preferential treatment at Juventus in quite the way he was expecting.
In fact, former Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri, who was manager at the time of Ronaldo’s request, openly admitted that dealing with the Portugal international can be difficult.
Sarri told Sportitalia: “The management of Ronaldo is not easy, also because there are interests behind him.
To tell the truth, I think I’m better at being a coach and not a manager. I find it boring and I enjoy it more on the pitch.”
Considering the above, both Juventus and Ronaldo would no doubt entertain his exit this month.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer has repeatedly hinted at one day re-signing Ronaldo for Manchester United, although prioritised snapping up Jadon Sancho this summer and is now looking to land Raphael Varane.
Ronaldo is therefore down the pecking order of targets, especially as his wages would be astronomical.
That said, this summer certainly appears to be the best time in which to sign Ronaldo, as Juventus would no doubt like to receive a transfer fee for him. And Solskjaer will know this better than anyone.
