A trio of clubs are ready to pounce, on the back of the bombshell announcement regarding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The news which Manchester United supporters across the globe were no doubt dreading was of course forthcoming on Saturday afternoon.
This came in the form of confirmation that star attacker Ronaldo had informed the powers that be at Old Trafford of his desire to depart, should a suitable offer for his services be tabled.
The 37-year-old is understood to be keen to avoid a season plying his trade outside of the Champions League so late in his illustrious career, having been left understandably underwhelmed by developments on the red half of Manchester since his return 12 months ago.
🔺 EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to be allowed to leave Manchester United should the Premier League club receive a satisfactory offer in the transfer window https://t.co/yx8POGB5M4
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) July 2, 2022
Where, though, could Ronaldo realistically end up?
Well, should United ultimately acquiesce to the demands of their wantaway attacker, a trio of clubs are understood to be eyeing his signature.
First up comes Chelsea, on the lookout for reinforcements up top on the back of Romelu Lukaku’s Inter Milan return, and understood to have already made contact with Jorge Mendes.
Elsewhere on the European heavyweight front, Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on the situation, with Ronaldo viewed as a potential replacement for Barcelona-linked Robert Lewandowski.
The most surprising landing spot touted for the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, though, comes in the form of Napoli.
As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Partenopei would be interested in luring Ronaldo to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer, with the hitman himself open to the prospect of a move back to Italy.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo has told Man Utd he wants to leave this summer, as @DuncanCastles reports. 37yo said to love club but wants to play CL + fight for top honours in final stage of career – doesn’t feel likely at #MUFC. Napoli among suitors @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/rFxa8i1pRO
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 2, 2022
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