Corinthians are poised to step up their interest in Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo by creating room in their squad.
The Brazilian club's president Duilio Monteiro Alves has confirmed they're keen on signing the Portugal captain, 37, in a surprise move. Ronaldo reportedly wants to leave Old Trafford this summer and would prefer a move to a Champions League club.
Corinthians can't offer Ronaldo Champions League football because they don't compete in European competitions, although they have reached the quarter-finals of this year's Copa Libertadores - the South American equivalent of the Champions League. Corinthians trail Brazilian rivals Flamengo 2-0 heading into the second leg on August 11.
According to GOAL, Willian is set to leave Corinthians for Fulham. The former Chelsea and Arsenal winger, 33, has struggled to make an impact in Brazil due a series of injuries, scoring only once in 44 appearances since re-signing for his boyhood club in August 2021.
Willian also failed to make an impact during his one season at the Emirates, finding the net just once in 37 games. But he was more effective at Chelsea, winning five major trophies during a seven-year spell - including two Premier League titles.
Corinthians will have space in their squad if Willian completes a move to Fulham, a spot that could be taken by Ronaldo. Whether he is ready to turn his back on European football - and the possibility of a sixth European Cup - is the defining question in this saga.
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Ronaldo's transfer options are limited. Chiefs at Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all played down speculation linking their respective club with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner... and there aren't many others who would realistically be interested.
Ronaldo has one year remaining on his existing deal and may be forced to play Europa League football for the first time since the 2002/03 term at Sporting Lisbon. United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, finishing sixth in the Premier League.
Speaking to Ulissescast, Corinthians president Alves said: "It is true that I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. I have big dreams. This is Corinthians, for f***'s sake! We've got Willian! We've got Renato Augusto!
"With everything that happens in football, I feel obliged to try for whatever is best for Corinthians. I don't know whether we will be able to get him. We haven't yet made an approach or sounded him out. But we are keeping an eye on him. Maybe he will want to come and play in Brazil. I don't see why not."
Ronaldo has made just one appearance for United in pre-season after missing their tour of Australia and Thailand. That came against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday. He was subbed off at half-time and left the ground before the friendly finished.
As reported in his column for The Telegraph, Liverpool legend Carragher has urged United to allow Ronaldo to leave the club, writing: "The best way for Ten Hag to look to the future is to rid himself of the superstar who is clinging on to the glories of his past."
