A report has shared some intriguing Newcastle United insight from a source close to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Lowdown: Exit-bound
It seems almost certain that the 37-year-old is going to leave Manchester United sooner rather than later, after being left out of the squad which faced Chelsea over the weekend by Erik ten Hag.
This came after the striker walked down the tunnel at Old Trafford early despite his team winning 2-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur last week, and he has since been forced to train on his own and been fined two weeks' worth of wages (The Sun).
The Latest: Newcastle interested?
As per The Sun, a source close to Ronaldo has shared that Newcastle 'realise the quality' that Ronaldo would bring to Eddie Howe's side, but Italy is his 'most likely' destination should he leave the Red Devils.
The source said: “Chelsea were interested in Ronaldo over the summer, but he is no longer on their radar.
“Arsenal and Newcastle realise the quality he would bring in helping them to achieve their ambitions. But both clubs worry about the wider impact his arrival could have on the clubs.
“The most likely destination now is Italy. Napoli were interested in Ronaldo over the summer and are still keen.
“Adding him to their squad is a step they believe will help in their aim to remain top of Serie A and to progress through the Champions League. But it will come down to whether the club can match the eye-watering wage demands.”
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The Verdict: Avoid
As much as a huge name like Ronaldo would help to kickstart their long-term project commercially, and would likely attract other big players to Tyneside, Newcastle should avoid the temptation of signing him in the January transfer window or next summer.
Aside from the attitude problems that he has shown over the last week, the Portugal international has not been delivering on the pitch, scoring just two goals in 12 appearances across all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).
The Magpies would likely have to rip up their wage structure by paying him close to the £360,000-per-week that he currently earns at Old Trafford, which is extortionate for a 37-year-old, no matter how good he is or has been.
The project under PIF is going well at the moment, with the Toon currently fourth in the Premier League table, two places above the Red Devils, so they should not risk potentially stunting their progress just to bring Ronaldo in.