Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo Boost, New Sadio Mane Rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo's move back to Manchester United could materialise next summer after La Liga expert Guillem Balague said the Real Madrid man will leave the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have increased their interest in a January deal for Southampton's Sadio Mane.

Speaking this week on Sky Sports' La Liga Podcast, Balague stated Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is carefully influencing fan opinion to make it seem as though he's bowing to public opinion by letting Ronaldo leave:

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With the case of Cristiano, we have said many times there is a strategy for him to go to another club next season. 

Very cleverly Real Madrid are trying to make it look like he wants to go, and that he deserves to go. 

And what Florentino is going to do now is listen to fans. So he likes to do polls with fans, he is going to meet them in little groups, in big groups, and he wants to gather the opinion of fans.

Why? Because he wants them to say what they are going to say now, which is: 'Get rid of Cristiano and get rid of Rafa.' 

Perhaps names will be mentioned of future players, and make a list of the best players in the world and they will be linked to Real Madrid in the next few months—Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard—because they are going to be looking for the next big thing now.

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It's a comeback that's seemingly been six years in the making, with Ronaldo becoming linked with an Old Trafford return in just about every transfer window since his 2009 departure from England.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner, 30, has another two-and-a-half years to run on his Real Madrid contract, but the argument is there to say his best years are behind him and Los Merengues would be better off cashing in.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Pressure at the Bernabeu is reaching an all-time high in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 demolition at home to Barcelona, and Spanish outlet Fichajes reported United would be ready to pay the forward's massive wages of close to £300,000 a week (h/t Metro).

Perez spoke to the media in a press conference on Monday evening, where he rubbished any speculation of discourse between Ronaldo and the club, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

However, after scoring in just four La Liga fixtures this season—for a total eight league goals—there is the suspicion Ronaldo may be on the downward slope that eventually finds every player, even those as talented as him.

The player's agent Jorge Mendes recently attempted to defuse rumours of a United return, telling French broadcaster Canal Plus a comeback is not an option (h/t James Robson of the Manchester Evening News): “It is impossible. He will end his career at Real Madrid.”

Ronaldo turns 31 in February, but a return to Manchester United would be more than a move based on mere talent. It would be a symbol that the club can still attract the world's best, even in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

There's no reason to believe the Red Devils wouldn't do all in their power to sanction a move at the end of this season, and Balague proclaims all the wheels are turning in that very direction in time for next summer.

A more immediate recruit for the club could be Southampton attacker Mane, with United having fallen short in their efforts to sign the Senegal international at the end of the last summer transfer window.

That's according to ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke, who added the Saints will attempt to tie the forward down to a new contract before the Premier League giants come calling in January.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

The 23-year-old has been excellent for the south-coast club since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2014, bagging 16 goals in 49 total appearances for Southampton.

ESPN FC's Alex Shaw referenced Van Gaal's comments regarding a need for more pace in the squad as reason behind the interest in Mane, adding that the player would make for a fine addition:

Mane boasts a clinical touch that can be best utilised as a supporting striker, but he is equally capable of playing on the wing, where he's helped supply team-mate Graziano Pelle for much of this season.

Anthony Martial is already establishing himself as United's finishing marvel, but Mane could provide another youthful presence to the forward line as United look to beef up their attacking options.