Transfer gossip: Man Utd draw up three-striker shortlist to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United are eyeing a couple of France-based strikers and a Bundesliga bagsman to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who has options to leave…
UNITED EYE CENTRE-FORWARD TRIO
Before Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol, Erik ten Hag has to deal with the Cristiano Ronaldo problem. The Athletic says the Manchester United boss would like Ronaldo to stick around until the end of his contract, but only if he gets on board with his reduced role. If not, ta-ra Ronnie.
Regardless of Ronaldo’s future, Ten Hag would like another forward. United have been linked with a move for Joao Felix which is convenient while the Atletico Madrid attacker finds himself on Diego Simeone’s sh*tlist.
But The Mirror reckons Ten Hag would prefer a more traditional no.9, with three names on his list.
Jonathan David is one. Chelsea have also been linked with the Lille striker, who replaced another reported United target, Victor Osimhen, when the Nigerian moved to Napoli.
Ten Hag also fancies Patrick Schick. The Czech international scored 24 Bundesliga goals last season, and though he hasn’t replicated such ruthlessness this term, United remain interested in the Bayer Leverkusen star.
They are also still sniffing around Moussa Dembele. The Lyon hit-man seems to have been linked with United in each of the last four or five transfer windows but never yet have the Red Devils made a decisive move.
CHELSEA PUT LEAO MOVE ABOVE RONALDO
What of Ronaldo, should he decide to pack his bags?
The Sun suggests the 37-year-old is open to a return to Italy, with Napoli still up for a deal following their interest during the summer.
A move to Naples would tick the Champions League box for Ronaldo, as most likely would a switch to Chelsea. Todd Boehly would love to bring the Portugal megastar to Stamford Bridge but CBS says the Blues are prioritising a move for Rafael Leao.
SPURS TO SIT WITH KANE AS REAL EYE SON
Tottenham have rather more immediate concerns but the future of Harry Kane certainly needs addressing early in the new year.
According to 90min, that’s the plan at Spurs, with the club keen to sit down with the centre-forward after the World Cup to discuss an extension to his current deal, which is scheduled to expire in 2024. Apparently, Spurs are confident Kane will renew.
The England striker has been heavily linked with Bayern Munich and the Bavarians have revealed they have no intention of recruiting in January, perhaps to save their euros for a splurge in the summer.
Tottenham may also have to fend off interest in Son-Heung min. Sport1 suggests Son is ready for his next big move and Real Madrid are lurking around the South Korea star.
Read more: Big Midweek: Ajax v Liverpool, Ten Hag v Ronaldo, Tottenham, Bellingham