CRISTIANO RONALDO could be heading back to Portugal after his first club Sporting Lisbon sounded him out over a return home, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The Sun on Sunday understands bosses at Sporting, where Ronaldo played 25 league games before signing for United in 2003, believe they can lure him back to Lisbon.
While Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes met with new Chelsea boss Todd Boehly in Portugal last week ahead of a sensational potential summer transfer.
The Manchester United star’s future is far from undecided with the player being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
And the Red Devils are set to launch an improved offer for Frenkie de Jong. A deal is believed to be getting closer with the clubs now said to be around £8.5m apart in the initial fee and £4.25m apart in add-ons.
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Palace director drove Ebiowei into United snub
Malcolm Ebiowei ignored Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren to join Crystal Palace – with Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman DRIVING him to his signing.
Highly-rated Ebiowei, 18, has moved to Selhurst Park from Derby on a free — a deal we first revealed in April.
McClaren was a technical director at the Rams and tried to get the winger to follow him in a series of phone calls. Ebiowei even snubbed a text from new boss Ten Hag.
But London teen Ebiowei was swayed to join the Eagles after transfer-guru Freedman made it his personal crusade.
The club’s sporting director met him twice, then went back to see him in a South London gym last week before showing him around Palace’s facilities.
Then the canny Scot turned up at the player’s door to take him for his medical and signing.
Liverpool lead race for Bellingham
Liverpool are confident Kalvin Phillips’ proposed move to Manchester City leaves them in pole position to land Jude Bellingham.
However there is still likely to be a tug-of-war between the Premier League’s big two to land the midfielder next summer.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the Borussia Dortmund star and has already earmarked him as his top target in 12 months time.
But Pep Guardiola is an equally big admirer of the 18-year-old and hopes Bellingham’s friendship with new signing Erling Haaland can sway an eventual deal their way.
There is growing confidence at Anfield that Man City’s imminent £45million signing of Leeds ace Phillips means the Reds are favourites to sign Bellingham.
Manchester United are a distant third in the race for his signature with Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans still being finalised.
Sporting in for Ronaldo exclusive
Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading back to Portugal after his first club Sporting Lisbon sounded him out over a return home.
The Sun on Sunday understands bosses at Sporting, where Ronaldo played 25 league games before signing for United in 2003, believe they can lure him back to Lisbon.
A source said: “Sporting know that Ronaldo loves winning trophies.
“That looks a long way away at United at the moment and time is running out for Ronaldo.
“So what better way to finish his career than move back home and play in Portugal.”
A move home would also delight his mum Dolores.
Last September she told a Portuguese podcast: “He has to come back.”
Anti-Glazer protest planned
Man United fans are reportedly planning an anti-Glazer protest ahead of new boss Erik ten Hag’s first home game in charge.
The Dutch coach, 52, will lead his side out at Old Trafford in a friendly game against Rayo Vallecano on July 31.
But it is set to be far from a party atmosphere for the manager’s opening match in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams.
According to Manchester Evening News, supporters are planning to gather a number of hours before kick-off to demonstrate their opposition to the Glazers ownership with a peaceful protest.
Lisandro Martinez latest
Man Utd are falling behind in the race to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after Arsenal made a £25million transfer offer for him.
However, this offer was rejected by the Dutch Champions, who are holding out for a fee closer to £43million for the 24-year-old
Erik ten Hag has identified him as an alternative to Jurrien Timber after he snubbed a switch following talks with Holland gaffer Louis van Gaal about his spot in the World Cup squad.
Ten Hag at United tomorrow
Erik ten Hag will arrive at Manchester United tomorrow with pre-season set to begin on Monday.
The Dutchman will check-in at Carrington as he plots a return to form next season for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag is set to face a baptism of fire amid a backdrop of fan unrest with the Glazers and a lack of signings.
The former Ajax manager will meet a group of Man United stars when they check back for pre-season on Monday.
Rooney departure leave Hourihane in limbo
Conor Hourihane has been left in limbo by Wayne Rooney’s shock Derby departure.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder spent last season on loan at Sheffield United but is now a free agent after Aston Villa did not renew his contract.
Rooney wanted 31-year-old Hourihane to lead the Rams’ League One promotion charge and offered a three-year deal when Chris Kirchner was due to buy the club.
But Roo’s decision to quit has stunned many current Derby players and targets.
Ronaldo to Chelsea context
Chelsea are in the market for a forward this summer with club record signing Romelu Lukaku set to return to Inter Milan on loan.
Manchester United’s failure to get into the Champions League and lack of transfer market activity has led to rumours which indicate Ronaldo could be open to leaving the club.
However, as it stands United intend to keep the legendary forward with Ronaldo also insisting he is ” happy” at United.
Lingard closing in on West Ham
West Ham are “close” to signing soon-to-be free agent Jesse Lingard, according to reports.
The 29-year-old will leave boyhood club Manchester United at the end of this month, where he has spent 22 years.
And according to the Daily Mail, West Ham are leading the race for the England international’s signature.
David Moyes’ side are going back with a new offer for freebie Lingard.
West Ham have been itching to bring Lingard back to the London Stadium ever since his glittering loan spell in the second half of the 2020-21 season.
Lingard scored nine goals and provide five assists in just 16 games.
Ronaldo to Chelsea latest
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes met with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly in Portugal last week.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo’s future was discussed when Chelsea owner Boehly (pictured below) met Mendes.
Ronaldo agent meets Chelsea owner
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly met with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal last week.
The Manchester United star’s future is far from undecided with the player being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Despite hitting 24 goals across all competitions last season, Ronaldo was unable to drag United to a top-four finish.
The Red Devils had to settle for a sixth and the Europa League instead.
And according to The Athletic, Ronaldo’s future was discussed when Chelsea owner Boehly met Mendes in Portugal last week.
United stars hit the gym
A host of Manchester United stars have been pictured hitting the gym over the last few days.
Stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Axel Tuanzebe have posted pictures and videos of themselves hard at work in the gym flexing their muscles.
It is very possible this could be in a bid to impress new United boss Erik ten Hag as he prepares to decide the future of a number of players ahead of a summer overhaul of the squad.
United suffered statistically their worst ever season in the Premier League last season, with stars including Rashford and Wan-Bissaka struggling for large parts of the season.
Man Utd dealt transfer blow
Man United have been dealt a blow in their battle to sign Tyrell Malacia, according to reports.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Lyon are closing in on a £13million deal to sign the Feyenoord left-back.
The final details of the transfer are being discussed with it nearing completion.
Man Utd were believed to be interested in Malacia, 22, who impressed for the Eredivisie side last season.
West Ham in talks with Lingard
West Ham United are in talks with former Man United star Jesse Lingard.
The attacking midfielder was released by the club as his contract expired this summer.
The London side are now in talks with Lingard about a return to the London Stadium after a successful loan spell in the back half of the 2020/21 season.
The 29-year-old has spent some of his off-season showing off his dance moves on TikTok.
Falling behind in the race for Martinez
Man United are falling behind in the race to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after Arsenal made a £25million transfer offer for him.
However, this offer was rejected by the Dutch Champions, who are holding out for a fee closer to £43million for the 24-year-old
Erik ten Hag has identified him as an alternative to Jurrien Timber after he snubbed a switch following talks with Holland gaffer Louis van Gaal about his spot in the World Cup squad.
Tomorrow marks dawn of Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag will arrive at Manchester United tomorrow with pre-season set to begin on Monday.
The Dutchman will check-in at Carrington as he plots a return to form next season for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag is set to face a baptism of fire amid a backdrop of fan unrest with the Glazers and a lack of signings.
The former Ajax manager will meet a group of Man United stars when they check back for pre-season on Monday.
He won’t meet the bulk of his squad until later, with those out on international duty set to have an extended holiday.
Harry Maguire marries childhood sweetheart
Harry Maguire has wed his childhood sweetheart Fern Hawkins in a stunning ceremony at a French chapel.
The Man Utd and England star shared a sweet picture from the nuptials today on his Instagram page.
In a heartfelt caption, Harry, 29, said the nuptials were “a day I’ll never forget”.
Harry and Fern, 27, tied the knot at the Chateau de Varennes in the South of France, which is voted one of the top ten wedding venues in the world.
Mourinho wants Ronaldo reunion
Jose Mourinho is reportedly trying to do everything in his power to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for Roma.
That’s after the striker gave Manchester United an ultimatum over their lack of transfer activity.
Retesport claims Roma are pulling out all the stops in an attempt to land Ronaldo this summer.
The 37-year-old’s future at United has been in doubt since the club missed out on a top four finish.
And it’s reckoned Ronnie has become frustrated with their lack of signings this month.
Van de Beek’s darts affinity
Man United ace Donny van de Beek has been spotted at a darts tournament in the Netherlands.
De Beek spent the latter half of last season at Everton on loan.
And he’s been taking in darts tournament in his homeland ahead of the new season.
Speaking on his affinity with the sport, the Dutch midfielder told dartsnew.com: “I am a fan of darts and always enjoy coming to watch it. Earlier this year I was also at the Premier League in Manchester.
“I always hope that all Dutch players win. I do know some players like Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld and also with some English players I have a chat sometimes.”
Anti-Glazer protest planned
Man United fans are reportedly planning an anti-Glazer protest ahead of new boss Erik ten Hag’s first home game in charge.
The Dutch coach, 52, will lead his side out at Old Trafford in a friendly game against Rayo Vallecano on July 31.
But it is set to be far from a party atmosphere for the manager’s opening match in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams.
According to Manchester Evening News, supporters are planning to gather a number of hours before kick-off to demonstrate their opposition to the Glazers ownership with a peaceful protest.
Barca to ‘withdraw Dembele offer’
Barcelona are reportedly considering withdrawing Ousmane Dembele’s contract offer.
Dembele will be a free agent next week, and Barca want to keep hold of the winger.
But the Catalan giants may pull the plug on negotiations with Dembele because he’s in contact with other clubs, the report adds.
However, the issue is causing a split at the club as some personnel want Dembele to stay put, the report adds.
Chelsea and Man United are two of the team’s Dembele’s been in talks with recently.
Man United dealt transfer blow
Man United have been dealt a blow in their battle to sign Tyrell Malacia, according to reports.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Lyon are closing in on a £13million deal to sign the Feyenoord left-back.
The final details of the transfer are being discussed with it nearing completion.
Man Utd were believed to be interested in Malacia, 22, who impressed for the Eredivisie side last season.
Arsenal keen on double transfer
Arsenal will reportedly return with improved offers for Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners will focus on the pair after securing the signature of Gabriel Jesus for £45m, the Express reported.
The Gunners’ initial bids for Leeds ace Raphinha and Ajax star Martinez were rebuffed by their respective sides.
But the Gunners are undeterred by the rejections and will present new offers next week, it was added.
Man United are also on the hunt for Martinez.
Ronaldo splashes millions on Bugatti
Cristiano Ronaldo splurged $10.5million on a limited edition Bugatti – of which only 10 have ever been made.
The Man Utd superstar, 37, ordered the luxury Bugatti Centodieci in 2020, Bild reported last year.
The model is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
Bild contacted Bugatti directly and they did not deny that Ronaldo was a buyer, while offering no official comment on the rumour.
Ronaldo starts training early
Cristiano Ronaldo has started pre-season EARLY while on holiday, with the Manchester United star limbering up and taking to the pitch to get some shots off.
The 37-year-old has been enjoying his time off with his family in Majorca.
But it hasn’t stopped him from keeping his fitness in check ahead of a return to Carrington for pre-season with new boss Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo shared a snap of him limbering up to his 459million Instagram followers.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
