Former Juventus and Italy star Angelo Di Livio is adamant that Roma are trying to sign Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in this summer's transfer window, predicting that he could join the club as soon as next week.
Ever since United failed to secure Champions League football for the forthcoming campaign, speculation concerning Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford has been rife. He has been the face of the Champions League for almost the last two decades and it is hard to imagine the competition without him.
Speculation about his future has increased over the past week or so following a report by The Athletic, claiming that new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly had held talks with super-agent Jorge Mendes about the prospect of luring Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge. United hit back at the claims almost immediately, insisting that the Portuguese star is not for sale.
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A club source said: "Cristiano is not for sale. We want and fully expect him to be with us next season."
The Portugal captain, who plundered 24 goals in all competitions for United last term, is expected to be a key figure in new manager Erik ten Hag's plans. The Dutchman has spoken glowingly about the striker and it is expected that he will be a key part of his plans.
But despite that, former Italy international Di Livio is of the understanding that Roma are doing all they can to sign Ronaldo, which would mean a reunion with Jose Mourinho for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. They worked together at Real Madrid.
"I have confirmation from several sources that Rome is trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo," Di Livio told Retesport. "From what I learned in recent days, Roma are really trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and July 7 could be the date of the announcement. It is a rumour that is constantly circulating in the world of football. Many former footballers talk about it, many agents speak about it.
"In addition, I happened to speak to a dear friend who works in television and who learned of the Ronaldo negotiation from a very important manager of Roma during a dinner a few days ago."
United remain adamant that Ronaldo is not for sale this summer, but it has been claimed that the Portgual international has become frustrated by the Reds' lack of transfer activity so far this summer. However, United are soon going to change that, as they are closing in on the signings of Netherlands duo Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong.
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