Real Madrid Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of September 22
There are still over three months to go until the winter transfer window opens, but rumours continue to swirl regarding possible transfers to and from Real Madrid.
The following slides will keep you up to date with any news and rumours surrounding the team's transfer activity this week.
Done Deals
In: Javier Hernandez (Manchester United, loan), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), James Rodriguez (Monaco) and Keylor Navas (Levante)
Out: Xabi Alonso (Bayern Munich), Angel Di Maria (Manchester United), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Jesus Fernandez (Levante), Casemiro (Porto, loan) and Diego Lopez (AC Milan)
Last updated: Friday, September 26
Cristiano Ronaldo
1 of 6
Friday, September 26
It is the story that just refuses to go away. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be linked with a return to Manchester United for next season—a deal that, according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, could cost United in the region of £140 million once the transfer fee and Ronaldo's salary are taken into consideration.
"The £140m cost for United – or any prospective suitor – would be the transfer fee of around £60m and his basic wage, should he agree to around £380,000 a-week as a gross figure, which on a four-year contract amounts to £79m.
While Real would want £80m to try to recoup all of the fee paid to United five years ago for Ronaldo, any interested club would hope to agree a smaller sum.
"
Jackson states that Wayne Rooney is currently United's highest earner, on £300,000 a week, but that the club would be willing to stretch to near-£400,000 in order to lure Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.
He also notes that United are Ronaldo's most likely destination if he does elect to leave Real Madrid.
"Regarding any competition for his signature, it is thought City are not minded to buy Ronaldo, while Chelsea’s José Mourinho described his relationship with the player as non-existent. Bayern Munich may not be able to afford him and PSG may struggle to convince the 29-year-old he should join as French football is not considered on a par with Europe’s best domestic competitions.
"
Robin Van Persie
2 of 6
Thursday, September 25
AS (h/t Barry Glendenning of The Guardian) report that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in signing Manchester United striker Robin van Persie next summer.
Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express adds that Van Persie will seek a move from Old Trafford if he does not get regular playing time this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo
3 of 6
Thursday, September 25
Metro report that a group of Manchester United supporters have paid nearly £3,000 to charter a plane that will fly over the El Madrigal stadium during Real Madrid's match away to Villarreal on Saturday and deliver a special message to Cristiano Ronaldo.
"What is it with Man Utd & banners? This 'Come Home Ronaldo' effort will fly over Villarreal v R.Madrid on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/94D8wt99nJ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 24, 2014"
The group's founder Oli Grandidge told Metro:
"We have active supporters on every continent of the world and we are all united by our love for Cristiano both as a football player and as a person.
We won’t stop until we bring Ronaldo home.
Members from all over the world have donated their own money and resources to fund a mid game message, flown by plane, in a bid to demonstrate to Cristiano Ronaldo how much the United faithful still love and support him.
"
Ronaldo played down rumours of a return to Old Trafford following Madrid's 5-1 victory over Elche on Tuesday. "My future is Madrid," he told reporters, as per Sky Sports.
Raheem Sterling
4 of 6
Wednesday, September 24
John Cross of The Mirror reports that Real Madrid are very keen to add Liverpool's Raheem Sterling to their squad next summer after being impressed by his swift development over the last year or so.
Cross writes that:
"Real have been alerted by the fact that the Reds have yet to tie down Sterling to a long-term contract, and are ready to move for him.
Liverpool appear to be dragging their feet on putting together a new deal for Sterling and that will give foreign clubs major encouragement.
The 19-year-old is currently on a £30,000-a-week package that expires in 2017.
"
Cross notes that Sterling is currently one of the lowest-paid players in Liverpool's first-team squad. If talks over a new deal do not commence soon, Madrid could be poised to firm up their interest in the 19-year-old.
Cristiano Ronaldo
5 of 6
Tuesday, September 23
Jack Wilson of the Daily Star reports that Manchester United could call off their pursuit of Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to avoid upsetting the club's current high earners.
Ronaldo is said to have requested a weekly wage of £300,000 after tax. Wilson writes that:
"Captain Wayne Rooney, hitman Radamel Falcao and Ronaldo's old team-mate Angel Di Maria are all on huge contracts at Old Trafford.
And there is a concern that the signing of Ronaldo - who would demand even more than them - could put their noses out of joint.
"
Wilson states that in addition to a massive salary, United would likely have to pay in the region of £60 million to Madrid in order to secure Ronaldo's signature.
Pedro Chirivella
6 of 6
Monday, 22 September
Marca report that Real Madrid's scouting network are keeping a close eye on 17-year-old Liverpool midfielder Pedro Chirivella.
Chirivella joined Liverpool from Valencia last season and has been involved in a number of first-team training sessions after impressing for their under-21 side. Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard are both said to be impressed with his ability and progress.
The Spanish U17 international has frequently been compared with Xabi Alonso. Having sold Alonso this summer, Marca suggest that Madrid could be interested in adding a younger version to their squad.
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