Simon Jordan has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could join Newcastle United with the view of moving to Saudi Arabia in the future.
Ronaldo is a free agent after his contract at Manchester United was terminated by mutual consent following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan.
Although Ronaldo is currently playing at the World Cup in Qatar, focus has quickly switched to which club will land the five-time Ballon D'Or winner next.
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Ronaldo has revealed that he rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia in the summer, and Simon has claimed that Newcastle 's owners PIF could offer a potential route to the Middle East.
Jordan told talkSPORT: “I heard a funny little rumour among some talking heads who may have an understanding of these things.
“They were exploring the dynamics of this alleged Saudi Arabia deal and looking at the scenario and suggesting that he could go to Newcastle and then find himself in Saudi.
“Given the nature of the ownership model that’s in place at Newcastle, while it flies in the face of what we’re told Newcastle’s motivations are, but there is a discussion that I think could find itself in the world of Ronaldo landing in Newcastle.”
Danny Murphy, who was sharing a panel with Jordan, was less convinced that Ronaldo will be heading to St James' Park.
"No chance," Murphy responded. "I don't think it'll happen for a number of reasons.
"They’ve already got Alexander Isak who they have spent a lot of money on and will need game time with him and Callum Wilson sharing that role. If you throw Ronaldo into that, what happens to Isak?
“Furthermore, when you look at Eddie Howe and what he’s trying to achieve with this Newcastle side – playing on the front foot, high-tempo, pressing and the unity – I think that even if Ronaldo was offered on a plate they’d say ‘no thanks’.
“I think that if Newcastle are going to get into the Champions League they’ll do it because of their philosophy and the way they’re playing. They’ve already got quality and I don’t think he enhances their chance.”
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