Ronaldo transfer plan emerges after Ten Hag contradicted by Man Utd star

18 July 2023 , 18:00

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Al-Nassr are in discussions with Manchester United over the signing of Alex Telles – which would see the defender reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The left-back is certain to depart Old Trafford this summer and alongside fellow out-of-favour defender Eric Bailly, did not report for the first full day of United’s pre-season training on Saturday. United boss Erik ten Hag has no plans for either defender in his squad for the forthcoming season.

Telles moved to Sevilla on a season-long loan deal but the Spanish club will not sign the player permanently this summer. United have been on the lookout to find another willing buyer for the Brazilian, who joined from Porto in 2020.

The defender is into the final 12 months of his United contract, although the club do have the option to trigger a one-year extension. While it is not thought that will be exercised, it is being used by the Red Devils as a bargaining stick to secure a transfer fee for the player.

Al-Nassr have informed United of their interest in Telles but it was indicated that they believed they could sign the player without a fee. While United will not block the player’s exit, they want to receive a transfer fee to reflect his contractual situation.

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It is not believed that this will lead to a major stumbling block in the negotiations process, which should be concluded quickly. It would further ease the wage bill at Old Trafford and add value for the club to add to their summer transfer budget.

Telles and Ronaldo were Man Utd teammates in the 2021/22 campaign (Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)

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Telles has previously spoken of his admiration for Ronaldo, while at United, and said that he offered solutions to the club’s problem. Erik ten Hag, who was appointed the following summer, did not see things that way and Ronaldo was not part of his starting line-up before his November exit – after Telles had been loaned out.

Telles told BT Sport during the 2021/22 campaign: "The impact he has in our dressing room is very, very strong. We all know his history as a player, the quality he adds to the game.

"So it's important to have such a successful guy, someone who's always willing to help. Cris has never been a problem for us. He's always a solution."

Telles continued: "He helps us, he's always willing to help us improve. Since he's arrived he's been humble enough to talk, learn and evolve. I believe he is a problem for others, not for us. He's a solution for us."

Ten Hag has overseen the exits of David de Gea, Jack Butland, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe from Old Trafford this summer - with multiple more first-team squad players set for departures in the coming weeks.

Midfielder Fred is wanted by Galatasaray and Fulham, among others, while the club will listen to offers for Bailly, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial.

United have already strengthened their squad this summer after attack-minded midfielder Mason Mount completed his move to Old Trafford from Chelsea in a deal worth £55million plus £5m in add-ons. The Red Devils also agreed a short-term contract for former defender Jonny Evans on Tuesday.

Terms have also been agreed to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter while negotiations are ongoing for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. Should both Fred and McTominay leave, the club will pursue a move for Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina.