Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a sensational return to Manchester United, according to a report in the Italian media.
The Portuguese forward’s future has been in doubt since Juventus’ exit from the Champions League last month.
Juventus nine-year dominance of the Italian Serie A also appears to be coming to an end as they sit 11 points behind leaders Inter Milan with just six games remaining.
The front page of Italian newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport claims United have made contact as Juventus’ current poor run has left the 36-year-old angry and tired of playing for a side that has not been able to match his ambitions this season.
Juventus would reportedly sell for as little as £26million (€30m) and the report claims United spoke with Ronaldo’s representative and super agent Jorge Mendes last week.
The report says while Juventus would be very happy to get rid of the former Real Madrid star’s £27m (€31m) salary, the player himself reportedly has no intention of giving up such wages until his contract expires in June next year.
The report adds that Ronaldo’s annual salary would need to be halved for United to make a move, but he could still be tempted to return to the club where he made his name after having a lack of support this season in Italy.
United’s highest-paid player is currently goalkeeper De Gea, who earns £375,000 per week after signing a new deal in 2019, and he is followed by Paul Pogba, with the midfielder raking in a weekly salary of £260,000.
United boss and Ronaldo’s former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would reportedly be thrilled to coach him for at least a year, while Juventus would be willing to sell the player in their bid to rejuvenate their squad.