Atletico Madrid are looking to offer Cristiano Ronaldo an exit from Manchester United, according to journalist Guillem Balague.
The 37-year-old Portugal star has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer amid concerns over his attitude, and had been previously linked with Atletico, fierce rivals of his former club Real Madrid.
Earlier on Monday, sources told ESPN that United were adamant of keeping Ronaldo despite growing concerns that his desire to move is becoming a negative influence in the dressing room.
As such, Diego Simeone’s side are believed to be keeping the door open for Ronaldo by looking at multiple possibilities of landing him.
Balague’s report states that Ronaldo is open to the idea of making the switch to the Wanda Metropolitano, with Simeone keen on implementing him into the side in the same manner as he did with Luis Suarez.
In June, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo had said signing Ronaldo would be “practically impossible.” But the LaLiga club could lean on their positive relationship with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to help bring him to Los Colchoneros.
With Ronaldo not hiding his desire to leave United, Erik ten Hag looks to have a decision to make as he balances his dressing room spirit with keeping hold of the Red Devils top scorer last season.
And if Ronaldo joins Atleti, then that could open up the possibility of Matheus Cunha going the other way, with sources telling ESPN late Monday that Ten Hag’s shortlist of striker options includes the 23-year-old Brazilian. –ESPN
