Cristiano Ronaldo Rumoured to Be Interested in Manchester United Transfer

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly interested in a transfer to former club Manchester United this summer. The Real Madrid forward is keen on a return to Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports News HQ.

After helping the club win a third UEFA Champions League crown in four years, Ronaldo caused a stir by reportedly saying he wants to leave Real Madrid, per Dan Roan of BBC Sport. Roan noted how accusations of tax fraud may have prompted Ronaldo's unhappiness and desire to move on.

Since then, Los Blancos have set a £350 million fee for the prolific No. 7, hoping to deter Paris Saint-Germain and United, per Rob Draper of the Mail on Sunday. However, advisers close to Ronaldo reportedly believe a fee of £131 million will be enough to sign the player and give him the "fresh challenge" he craves, per Jason Burt of the Sunday Telegraph.

Daniel Tejedor/Associated Press

Naturally, United have been strongly linked with the forward who helped them win three Premier League titles and the Champions League before joining Real for a then-world record fee in 2009.

Ronaldo spoke with former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson about his unhappiness in the Spanish capital around six weeks ago, according to the Sunday Mirror (h/t Metro).

Of course, Ferguson is now retired, so Ronaldo would have to co-exist with current United chief Jose Mourinho. The two worked together at Real, but the relationship was an uneasy one, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

Significantly, Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News noted how United may be reluctant to engage in a protracted pursuit of their former player:

Even so, few fans of the Red Devils wouldn't welcome Ronaldo back with open arms, particularly those who remember how his 42 goals in the 2007/08 season secured a league and Champions League double.

As OptaJoe pointed out, no player in England's top flight has matched those scoring exploits since:

It's proof of what Ronaldo can bring to any top club and what he could bring if he returns to Manchester this summer.