TaxrowcouldseeCristianoquitMadrid
From Back Page PSG and Bayern Munich will be ready to move for Ronaldo should the 32-year-old forward carry through his threat to leave, with the China Super League and MLS also potential destinations.
Although United are one of a select band of clubs able to afford Ronaldo, they will need convincing it is worth their while to re-sign him, having sold him for a then-world record fee of £80m to Real in 2009.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner and his advisers favour a fresh challenge in a new country, with PSG his likeliest destination if he decides to remain in Europe.
Reports in Portugal claimed Ronaldo’s decision to leave Real was “irreversible”, revealing he felt victimised by the tax probe, with sources in Spain confirming his desire to find a new club.
Madrid’s state prosecutor has accused Ronaldo of failing to pay the correct amount of tax over a four-year period from 2011-14.
It is understood Ronaldo’s anger centres on the fact he has tried to address the tax issue by making an extra payment of £5m in 2014 but is still being hounded.
Judges in Madrid will decide over the next fortnight if the case should go to court. If so Ronaldo will have 30 days to plead guilty and pay a fine or fight the charge.
Lionel Messi was handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence last year for failing to pay tax on £3.6m earned from image rights.