Manchester United have informed Cristiano Ronaldo that he is not available for a transfer this summer, although the Portuguese striker’s representatives are assessing interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, sources have told ESPN.
Ronaldo has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain but sources close to United insist they “want and expect” the 37-year-old at the club next season remains.
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He has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford with an option for another season. Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last season but couldn’t prevent United from missing out on Champions League qualification after finishing sixth in the Premier League.
Sources have told ESPN that Ronaldo is keen to play the remaining years of his career in the Champions League and has doubts about United’s ambitions after not signing so far this summer.
However, new manager Erik ten Hag, who will headline his first day of pre-season training at Carrington on Monday, is banking on having Ronaldo in his squad next season.
Sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag and director of football John Murtough have shifted their transfer focus from a forward to a more versatile striker after missing out on Darwin Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica.
Ajax winger Antony is one of the targets but while the Brazilian would love to join, Ajax’s €80m valuation is proving problematic.
United’s priority this summer remains the signing of a central midfielder, with talks progressing with Barcelona over a move for Frenkie de Jong.
Sources have told ESPN that both sides believe a deal is close and there is hope De Jong could still be part of the squad that embarks on a tour of Thailand and Australia on July 8.
United are also awaiting a decision from Christian Eriksen on where he will play next season.
There was a belief that the midfielder, who is a free agent after the second half of last season at Brentford, wanted to return to Tottenham Hotspur. But with Spurs’ interest waning, United and Brentford are at the front of the queue for his signature.
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