Transfer speculation: Is a return to Manchester United possible for Ronaldo?

Interest in Cristiano Ronaldo is intensifying in Europe and MLS, with Manchester United being mentioned, while Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are all keen on Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Stay with us for the latest updates on transfers and rumors from around the world.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Interest in Cristiano Ronaldo is gaining momentum in Europe and MLS, as reported by TEAMtalk. Ronaldo, 40, declined to participate for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League’s 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh, with sources indicating to ESPN that he is dissatisfied with how the league managed the Karim Benzema transfer to Al Hilal. The Manchester Evening News has associated the Portugal international with a potential return to Manchester United, while several prominent clubs in Europe are prepared to adjust their sporting strategies to acquire him.
– Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are all pursuing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to The Sun. Mikel Arteta holds the Italy international in high regard and aims to pair him with Declan Rice in the Gunners’ midfield. The Gunners were even alerted to a potential move on deadline day, but it did not materialize. City manager Pep Guardiola is also an admirer of the 25-year-old and his Magpies teammate Tino Livramento, while Chelsea is keeping an eye on Tonali. However, he and his wife are said to be content in the North East and he is not actively seeking a transfer.
– Marcus Rashford has no plans to return to Manchester United when his loan at Barcelona concludes this summer, according to The Mirror. The Blaugrana have an option to permanently acquire him for €30 million, and the 28-year-old desires clarity on his future before the 2026 World Cup. United’s interim head coach Michael Carrick would attempt to convince the Red Devils academy graduate to remain if he secures the head coach position permanently, but Rashford has already informed Barcelona that he wishes to stay at Camp Nou and would seek another club rather than return to Old Trafford if an agreement is not reached.
– Bayern Munich are in advanced discussions to sign Charlotte FC and U.S. U20 winger Nimfasha Berchimas, as reported by The Athletic. The two clubs are not concerned about Germany’s transfer deadline as they are finalizing a pre-agreed deal for the summer, since Berchimas will only turn 18 at the end of this month and cannot yet be registered with a German club. Another U.S. youth international may be heading to Europe in the summer, as Tom Bogert reports that Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are showing significant interest in 18-year-old Real Salt Lake striker Zavier Gozo.
– Juventus will pursue Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer after the striker remained on loan at Tottenham Hotspur this January, as reported by Calciomercato. Juve made efforts until the final moments of the transfer window to bring back the 27-year-old, who also expressed a desire to return to the Serie A club, but Spurs insisted on retaining the France international as they could not find a suitable alternative. It will require at least €50 million to secure him permanently, but Juve will need to facilitate a departure for Loïs Openda to meet that amount.
EXPERT TAKE
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OTHER RUMORS
– Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez for the summer in case they experience any significant departures. (Caught Offside)
– Internazionale may pursue Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby and Atalanta right back Marco Palestra (currently on loan at Cagliari) in the summer after failing to finalize January deals for either player. (Calciomercato)
– Atalanta is open to resuming discussions with Atletico Madrid regarding midfielder Ederson ahead of June, having previously denied the Brazil international’s departure in January. (Rudy Galetti)
– Jadon Sancho is considering a summer return to the Bundesliga as it seems unlikely that the winger will remain with Aston Villa when his loan from Manchester United concludes. (Football Insider)
– Paris Saint-Germain are working on activating a release clause to permanently sign Khalil Ayari, who is currently on loan from Stade Tunisien. (Footmercato)
– Center back Dayot Upamecano has agreed to a contract extension with Bayern Munich. (Florian Plettenberg)
– A new meeting between Juventus and Kenan Yildiz‘s agent is anticipated in the coming days, with discussions regarding a five-year contract extension worth €6 million-per-year. (Nicolo Schira)
– Xabi Alonso and Enzo Maresca are expected to be on the shortlist of three candidates to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, while Como’s Cesc Fabregas is attracting interest across Europe. (Telegraph)
– Marc-Andre ter Stegen will not return to Barcelona following an injury and will complete his loan with Girona, although the goalkeeper may undergo part of his recovery with the Blaugrana’s medical team. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Girona could still sign free agent goalkeeper Ruben Blanco to replace the Germany international. (Sport)
– Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini are set to sign contract extensions in the coming days to remain with Roma until 2029. (Nicolo Schira)