The Cristiano Ronaldo saga is showing little sign of coming to an end anytime soon. The Portugal superstar has made his intention of leaving Manchester United ahead of the new season very clear.
The 37-year old still has a contract with United until June next year with an option to extend for a further year. However, he has already submitted a transfer request.
One of the key reasons behind Ronaldo’s intention is his desire to play Champions League football next season and challenge for the major trophies.
As far as United are concerned, they are not willing to sell their star man although they recently granted him permission to delay joining up with the squad’s preseason tour of Thailand and Australia.
Earlier this week, United boss Erik ten Hag insisted that Ronaldo is part of his plans for the upcoming season. Ronaldo, however, is adamant to leave Old Trafford and has been linked with a move to several top clubs.
La Liga giants in race to sign Cristiano Ronaldo:
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo submitted his transfer request, he has been linked with several big clubs. The likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and even Barcelona were linked with him.
And now another La Liga giants have reportedly entered the race to sign Ronaldo. According to a report from ESPN, Atletico Madrid as well as Bayern Munich are still in race to sign up Ronaldo.
Recently, Chelsea, who signed England forward Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, have ruled out a move for Ronaldo. The former Real Madrid man, however, could still end up at a major European club as both Atletico and Bayern are yet to pull out of the race.
Bayern could pursue Ronaldo if they go on to lose Robert Lewandowski who has publicly revealed his desire of leaving the club. Lewandowski recently joined the Bayern squad for the preseason training but is still heavily linked with Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid would be also keen to bolster their forward line after losing the services of Luis Suarez.
The Portugal forward has also not ruled out the possibility of staying at Old Trafford if the right offer does not materialise.
Ronaldo returned to United a year ago, but his second spell at the club has not gone entirely to plan. He scored 18 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season, but United finished sixth in the league and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has also not ruled out the possibility of staying at Old Trafford if he fails to get offer from a desired club. Manchester United will be glad to have him for at least one more season after his goal-scoring prowess last season where he scored 18 goals in 30 Premier League appearances