Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo 'Tempted,' Juan Mata Rumours

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo will likely be linked with a transfer back to Manchester United until the day he decides to hang up his boots, but Spanish football expert Graham Hunter has become the latest to add to persistent rumours of a summer move.

As reported by Sky Sports, La Liga Weekly asked Hunter about a possible rift between Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, as well as the chances of them playing together in the Spanish capital next season. He believes both United and Manchester City will approach the duo, and Ronaldo could be "tempted:"

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Beyond August is a very, very big question. That’s because, one, I think there’s nothing to report now in that neither is (Real Madrid manager Carlo) Ancelotti sacked, nor is Ronaldo sold, nor has Bale decided to leave.

But there is a very clear opinion among the two Manchester clubs, and I mean City as well as United, that they think they have an opportunity to come and buy Ronaldo.

Honestly, my opinion is we have to wait and see because I think he (Ronaldo) will be tempted. He will be asked by both Manchester clubs. I think that goes for Bale too.

"

Hunter went on to explain how the relationship between the two stars has reportedly deteriorated, which is a big part of Los Blancos' recent slide and their poor form heading into this weekend's vital Clasico against La Liga leaders Barcelona.

There's no denying the duo have given reporters plenty of ammunition in recent weeks—Ronaldo's odd reaction to Bale's opener against Levante had everyone buzzing, and the Ballon d'Or winner faced a lot of scrutiny in the aftermath. Goal's Ben Hayward wasn't pleased with the Portugal international:

It's important to remember that it's Clasico-week, however. All major Spanish newspapers and media outlets in Spain are either based in Madrid or Catalonia, home of Real and Barcelona, respectively. As a result, stories emerging from Spain have to be taken with a grain of salt between now and Sunday, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Ronaldo remains one of the most beloved players to wear United's iconic kit in the past decade, and fans would love nothing more than for the star forward to make a return. Combined with the Red Devils' deep pockets and the overhaul the squad is currently undergoing, it's tempting to believe a reunion is possible.

The likes of Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and a host of others arrived during the summer of 2014, and Bleacher Report's Stan Collymore believes more will join at the end of the current campaign:

Meanwhile, Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov believes Real could be tempted into a sale, via Marca:

"

When you get whistled at is when you need a friendly reaction. When you aren't doing well, people have a right to whistle at you. Why are they whistling at me? 99.9% of players don't know how to ask themselves that question. Sooner or later, Florentino could end up selling Cristiano.

"

The 30-year-old Ronaldo would be the kind of player Louis van Gaal could build his team around, but tempting Real into a sale would be next to impossible. Ronaldo is the club's biggest star, playing a massive role both on and off the pitch.

As long as the forward feels comfortable in the Spanish capital, a move back to Old Trafford seems highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, Valencia are supposedly planning on luring another United star to La Liga, as midfielder Juan Mata will be the subject of a £20 million offer in summer, according to the Daily Mirror's John Cross.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The 26-year-old remains a fringe player who sees most off his minutes either off the bench or as a replacement when one of the top attacking midfielders goes down with an injury, despite often starring when he gets the chance to play. BBC Sport's Phil McNulty was particularly impressed with his recent performance against Tottenham Hotspur:

The Spain international is a very good player just entering his prime football years, and if Van Gaal decides he wants to build his squad around other pieces, Mata becomes an interesting asset to use in the transfer market.

His value should be high, and while the player himself may favour a move back to Valencia, there will likely be plenty of demand for his services once it becomes clear United plan to sell.

Expect to see the speculation surrounding his future continue until the summer transfer window opens, at which point the Red Devils could be in for a solid pay day.

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