SPORTING LISBON have reportedly entered talks over a loan for Cristiano Ronaldo – despite having reservations about signing him.
Ronaldo is desperate to leave Manchester United this summer in order to play Champions League football.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is eager to get his client out of The Theatre of Dreams and has held preliminary talks with Sporting over a shock return to the club.
That's according to The Athletic, who claim the Primeira Liga side are interested in signing their former star – who they sold to United 19 years ago – on a one-year loan deal.
It is, however, claimed that Sporting chief Ruben Amorim isn't sold on the idea as signing Ronaldo would drastically "change the dynamic" of the team.
The astronomical wages of the former Real Madrid man are also said to be a potential stumbling block for the deal.
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SunSport understands Ronaldo's camp have urged Manchester United to name their price so the superstar can trigger a move.
They are claiming they have a live offer on the table.
Ronaldo, 37, made an emotional return to The Theatre of Dreams last summer – penning a two-year contract.
The Portugal skipper was the club's top goalscorer – finding the back of the net 24 times in all competitions.
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Ronaldo, however, wants to cut short his second stint with the Red Devils as he believes he has “three or four years” playing at the highest level.
United have no intention of letting the five-time Ballon d'Or winner leave before the expiration of his contract.
Ronaldo missed the club's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, but manager Erik ten Hag has planned for him to be part of his squad for the upcoming season.
He said earlier month: “We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it and I'm looking forward to working with him.
“I have read things but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together.
“I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk.
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"That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
United's Premier League campaign will get underway a fortnight on Sunday, with Ten Hag's troop welcoming Brighton to Old Trafford.
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