Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to complete a "sexy" transfer move and join Bayern Munich by club legend Lothar Matthaus.
The Manchester United superstar has informed the Old Trafford board that he wants to leave less than 12 months after his sensational homecoming and on Monday, failed to report for pre-season training due to "personal reasons". Now, the back pages are rife with speculation over where Ronaldo's future lies, with Premier League rivals Chelsea stepping up their interest after new owner Todd Boehly met the 37-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes.
But Bundesliga giants Bayern reportedly remain on Ronaldo's personal shortlist of preferred next clubs, which also includes the prospect of a sensational team-up with Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern are expected to be on the lookout for a replacement for star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is desperate to join Barcelona this summer, and Matthaus has recommended that his former employers go after Ronaldo.
The legendary German midfielder-turned-pundit wrote in his column for Sky Germany : "Of course, that would not be a transfer with a view to the future. He's 37 and would always make headlines. I'm also not sure if he fits into Bayern Munich's system. But he's still an outstanding goalscorer. He's one of the best strikers of all time and would certainly score around 30 goals. Refinancing through jersey sales and the like would be guaranteed.
"Ronaldo to Bayern would be sexy! At least you should think through the options and play through them once. If you at Bayern are of the opinion that Cristiano Ronaldo is still physically able to really help for a year or two and that you can invest the transfer fee generated for Lewandowski more or less one-to-one in the Portuguese megastar, I would think about it."
Although Matthaus seems to be excited about the idea of Ronaldo heading to Bavaria, Mirror Football understands that the German champions are not interested in signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, despite Lewandowski's impending departure. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently ruled out a move amid claims that Mendes had informed Allianz Arena chiefs about his client's situation.
Speaking to Sky Germany before the bombshell news that Ronaldo is suddenly intent on quitting Old Trafford broke, Salihamidzic stated: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a top player with an outstanding career. However, the rumour that is circulating is a rumour that has no truth in it."
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Chelsea, on the other hand, look like potential suitors, with Boehly's alleged meeting with Mendes taking place in Portugal a fortnight ago, where the pair talked transfers. Ronaldo's situation was discussed during their wide-ranging conversation and The Athletic reports that the Blues are mulling over a mega-money swoop that would rock the Premier League.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to be consulted prior to any move being made, with the German tactician keen to reshape his forward line ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Romelu Lukaku has been loaned out Inter Milan, while Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic are understood to be on the chopping block. However, United are insistent on not selling Ronaldo to another English club.
