MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly prepared to send David De Gea to Real Madrid in order to take Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.
United are set to splash the cash when the transfer window rolls around as they look to build a squad capable of competing with Manchester City.
And a global star is apparently top of their wanted list, despite the presence of Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku in Manchester.
Cristiano Ronaldo returning to United has been talked up over the years and that chatter has intensified since he was accused of tax evasion in Spain, which he denies.
The latest reports indicate the Real forward is the player Mourinho is targeting to take his side to the top of the Premier League.
According to Diario Gol, Mourinho believes Jorge Mendes, the agent he shares with Ronaldo, can mend their relationship and pave the way to a deal happening.
Manchester United are said to be willing to throw everything at ensuring an agreement is struck with Real.
Diario Gol claim Mourinho would sooner have a top attacker in his squad in Ronaldo than a top goalkeeper in the form of De Gea.
And that means United are happy to use Real target De Gea as bait to entice Bernabeu chiefs into letting Ronaldo head back to Old Trafford.
United will supposedly hand Real a whopping £61m (€70m) transfer fee to get Ronaldo on-board as well.
The extravagance of the figures involved extends to the pay packet Ronaldo will receive if he returns to Manchester too.
Ronaldo, who’s unhappy about Real’s unwillingness to give him a pay bump, can allegedly expect to take home a mega £31m (€35m) a year after tax if the deal is completed.
Diario Gol indicate Real would be welcome United’s offer as it would allow them to bag De Gea, generate funds to sign Neymar or Harry Kane and remove the top earner from their wage bill.
United’s shirt sponsors, Chevrolet, and their own marketing team are also said to be in favour of Ronaldo returning to England.
Source:www.express.co.uk