Manchester United are continuing their plan to lure at least one of world football’s biggest stars to Old Trafford next summer, according to the Times.
The report claims United are working behind the scenes on potential deals for Barcelona’s Neymar and Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. United have been continually linked with each player over the last year, but are determined to land at least one of them in order to bring some much-needed star power to their side.
Of any of the deals, Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford seems most likely because his future is currently up in the air with Real Madrid. He stated in an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday that nothing is certain in football and while he could stay with Los Blancos, he may end up moving to another league.
He said: “As I said before, there are no certainties in football. Everything is open, all leagues. I may end my career here with Real Madrid. I’m just being honest.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. If I was 75 per cent certain, I would say so, it wouldn’t be a problem. But I have no idea.”
Ronaldo is attracting interest from Paris Saint Germain too – and the French champions are considered the favourites for his signature – but with Ronaldo’s potential departure on the horizon, Real Madrid are believed to be set on making Bale the focal point of their team in his absence.
Bale has stated on several occasions that he wishes to stay in Spain, though pressure from the crowd and criticism over his performances has threatened to force him out.
Additionally, United made contact with Barcelona’s Neymar back in the summer and would be willing to break Bale’s world record fee to sign the Brazilian later down the line. Neymar though has been in sensational form this season and is reportedly set to sign a contract extension with the European champions in the new year.
United will continue working on a high-profile deal for the coming months, however they’re also thought to be concerned that the players could be put off by the competitive nature of England’s top flight.
The Premier League is considered the most physical in the world, and a senior source contacted by the Times for the report told them: “They (Bale, Ronaldo and Neymar) know if they play in La Liga they can score 40 or more goals, but in the Premier League you’re probably looking at 20 to 25.”