CRISTIANO RONALDO could join Paris Saint-Germain in a shock transfer if Kylian Mbappe leaves for Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Juventus superstar, 36, may leave the Italian giants this summer as the club’s struggles on and off the field mount.
Andrea Pirlo’s side look set to surrender their nine-year grasp on the Serie A title with Inter Milan top of the league while they suffered another early exit from the Champions League.
And the club have been hit hard financially by the coronavirus pandemic with major money-saving cutbacks required as soon as possible.
That has led to speculation the £540,000-a-week Ronaldo could be sold for as little as £25million – three years after moving to Turin for £99m.
According to Tuttosport, that could see PSG swoop for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has won trophies in England, Spain and Italy, should Mbappe go.
Ronaldo would help replace the goals lost – he has 32 in 36 this season while Mbappe has 32 in 38.
However, Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici is determined to keep his star man and told Sky Italia in March: “It makes me laugh, I never would’ve thought Ronaldo could be put up for discussion.
“We’re talking about a player who is the current top scorer in Serie A and has won five Ballon d’Or awards.
“He has already won a lot of titles with us and it’s a privilege to have him in our squad.
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“We will hold on to him and enjoy him as much as possible. We’re very happy to have him with us.”
Real Madrid are long-term admirers of the Mbappe but know it would take a mammoth bid – even with the rapid forward out of contract in 2022.
The French World Cup winner, 22, hit out at the negative press from the French media, sparking reports he wants out of the Parc des Princes.
The goal machine said: “When you play for a club in your country, when you give everything from your national team. At a certain moment, it tires you out, yes.
“It is different for the players who play abroad, who only come back to France for the national team.
The most important thing is to feel good where you are and enjoy yourself every day
Kylian Mbappe
“Me, I am here all the time, so I am spoken about a lot more. But I was aware of this context when signing for PSG.
“We will see for the future. Of course, critics play a part too. Aside from that, it is not just that. The most important thing is to feel good where you are and enjoy yourself every day.”
Liverpool also remain interested in Mbappe but Los Blancos are favourites as they look for Karim Benzema’s successor and face stiff competition for Erling Haaland.
Selling Mbappe may pave the way to fund Lionel Messi instead if their pursuit of Ronaldo fails.
The Barcelona hero, 33, is out of contract this summer and appears no closer to resolving his Nou Camp future.
A reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City appears most likely but PSG are the side able to match the Etihad club for cash.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
