Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to be cut loose by Manchester United, with David Beckham’s Inter Miami emerging as a possible destination for the 37-year-old…
MANCHESTER TO MIAMI FOR RONALDO?
Friday’s morning papers suggest Cristiano Ronaldo is paying the price for acting the d*ck on Wednesday night, with Manchester United fining the 37-year-old around £1million – two weeks’ wages – and exiling from the first-team squad, at least while they focus on facing Chelsea on Saturday evening.
Ronaldo issued a statement on Thursday evening saying, well, not a lot. It wasn’t an apology, just 174 words of carefully-guarded guff.
The Mirror suggests Inter Miami could offer United and Ronaldo a solution to their current marriage of inconvenience. Inter are on the lookout for a new big name after Gonzalo Higuain’s career came to an end when the MLS side’s season was ended by play-offs defeat this week.
The I says United are considering how to shuffle Ronaldo through the door, with a free transfer the most likely outcome if Jorge Mendes can’t find any takers in January.
CHELSEA OPEN TO NEYMAR DEAL
Ronaldo might have been Chelsea’s problem this weekend if Todd Boehly had his way during the summer. And it seems the Blues owner hasn’t changed his stance over signing a superstar.
According to El Pais, Chelsea are keen to bring Neymar to Stamford Bridge in time for next season. Boehly was offered the chance to take the Brazilian on loan from PSG last summer but the Blues didn’t fancy paying a portion of his salary that could have cost in the region of £10million.
Apparently, though, Boehly is more open to taking Neymar on a permanent deal, even if it means covering his £35million-a-year ages in full.
VILLA TO TALK WITH EX-ARSENAL BOSS
Steven Gerrard is waking up this morning without a job to go to after being sacked immediately after Aston Villa’s miserable 3-0 defeat at Fulham.
Gerrard endured an awkward coach ride back to Birmingham after being relieved of his duties in a curt statement.
So what now for Villa? The assumption is they will approach Mauricio Pochettino and it’s hard to believe the former Spurs boss hasn’t already been sounded out. But Football Insider says Villa are planning to speak to Unai Emery.
The former Arsenal boss is currently in charge at Villarreal but Emery, 50, is understood to be open to hearing what Villa have to say.
The Telegraph suggests Thomas Frank as a candidate, with Brentford willing to give the Dane another new contract to keep him in west London.
