MADRID – Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo for the Portuguese to continue his career under Pep Guardiola, according to different sources informed ESPN.
The Spanish coach himself and Ronaldo spoke by phone on Thursday morning about a possibility that is getting closer and closer in England.
The same sources admit to ESPN that the agreement between clubs is still missing for the operation to be carried out but there is moderate optimism on the part of the English.
In this sense, other sources assure ESPN that Juventus is demanding around 28 million euros to approve the departure of the former Real Madrid footballer.
ESPN already reported in June that Ronaldo’s representatives were speaking with the big clubs in Europe to try to find a new destination for the Portuguese.
Ronaldo’s representative already tested City a while ago but Guardiola’s team initially rejected the offer to focus on hiring Harry Kane.
However, following Tottenham Hotspur’s refusal to let the English forward out, City reconsidered their strategy and reopened negotiations with Ronaldo.
From Italy, sources close to the operation admit to ESPN that Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is “calm” with the possibility of losing CR7 but has already asked the club to bring another 9 to replace him.
ESPN sources report that talks between Juventus and Manchester City will begin shortly to reach a final agreement as soon as possible.
Cristiano Ronaldo was a substitute in the first game of the season between Juventus and Udinese, which ended with a two-goal draw. The Portuguese came out in the second half. Last Wednesday, he even retired from training due to an apparent injury to his arm. In 134 games with Juve, Cristiano has scored 101 goals.
Between 2003 and 2009, the Portugal international played for City’s eternal rival. At Manchester United he won the Champions League and three Premier League between 2003 and 2009, the year in which he signed for Real Madrid.
ESPN has learned that Jorge Mendes has also offered PSG the possibility of signing Ronaldo to replace Kylian Mbappé, but the Parisian club for the moment has rejected that option.
Gabrielle Marcotti contributed to this report