Transfer Gossip: Ronaldo can save Man Utd career upon showing Ten Hag one thing, as game-changing transfer awaits; next Aston Villa manager close

Showdown talks on Monday between Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo could determine the Man Utd striker’s fate with a Premier League rival circling, while Aston Villa are closing in on who will succeed Steven Gerrard as their next manager – both in Monday’s Transfer Gossip.

RONALDO MUST SHOW TEN HAG ONE THING

Cristiano Ronaldo will hold talks with Erik ten Hag on Monday, and whether a Premier League rival can pull off an eye-catching coup could depend on whether the striker shows one thing.

The fairy-tale return of Ronaldo to Old Trafford has turned into something of a nightmare.

Ronaldo is out of favour with his manager who prefers the younger and more mobile Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford up front.

The 37-year-old wanted out of Manchester United last summer in order to continue his Champions League legacy. However, the only side to make a serious offer were Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo’s situation came to a head last week when refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham. The Portuguese then left the stadium before the final whistle – the second such incident of that nature following a similar story against Rayo Vallecano in pre-season.

United took a firm approach to the show of dissent, banishing him from the squad to face Chelsea on Saturday.

Ronaldo was also forced to train with the Under-23s, while perennial backers in the media such as Gary Neville have begun to call for his exit.

A January exit was floated by the Sunday World. They claimed a move to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards with part-owner, Todd Boehly, still interested in the headline-grabbing addition.

Manager Graham Potter reportedly has three younger targets on his shortlist. Convincing him to work with Ronaldo was described as a ‘hard sell’ by CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs. Nevertheless, the Daily Mail report Boehly will try.

CAN RONALDO SWALLOW HIS PRIDE?

Now, the Mirror report Ronaldo’s future could be determined as early as today.

The veteran forward will reportedly hold crunch talks with manager Ten Hag who has repeatedly insisted Ronaldo is still a part of his plans.

But to remain in his thinking, the report claims Ronaldo must show ‘genuine contrition’ for his actions that soured their 2-0 victory over Spurs.

Whether Ronaldo is capable of swallowing his pride remains to be seen. If he can, it’s claimed he could return to action against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.

If he can’t, the Mirror claim there is now a willingness to let Ronaldo leave in January and any refusal to apologise for his actions will embolden that stance.

In that scenario, a move to Chelsea will quickly come into focus.

ASTON VILLA NOT DETERRED BY MANAGER TARGET’S CLAUSE

Aston Villa will have to pay far less than first thought to bring their Steven Gerrard successor on board, and talks are said to be ‘progressing with his representatives’.

Gerrard was axed straight after the 3-0 humbling at the hands of Fulham last Thursday.

His assistant, Aaron Danks, took interim charge for the visit of Brentford on Saturday and a great weight was lifted off the players.

Villa raced into a three-goal lead and ultimately ran out 4-0 winners. However, despite the incredible start, Danks is not in line for a permanent role.

Instead, after failing to land No 1 target Mauricio Pochettino, the Telegraph report progress is being made on appointing Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.

Ruben Amorim a serial trophy winner already

The Portuguese is only 37, though has worked wonders in his home country of late.

He led Braga to the Taca da Liga in 2020, which is the Portuguese equivalent of the League Cup.

Sporting swooped and in Amorim’s first season at the helm, Lisbon won a Portuguese league and league cup double. Another league cup success followed last season to make it three in a row for Amorim.

The Telegraph report Amorim – who speaks good English – won’t cost as much as first thought to buy him out of his Sporting deal.

A release clause of around €30m had been cited, though the clause is actually on a sliding scale.

As such, the figure has reduced throughout the duration of his Sporting stay and it’s claimed he’ll cost just €10m (approx. £8.7m) to sign.

Talks are said to be ‘progressing’ between Villa and Amorim’s camp. The release clause fee is not expected to be a problem for Villa.

PREM DUO AND RANGERS CHASE BLACKPOOL ACE

Finally, Bournemouth, Brentford and Scottish heavyweight Rangers are all mulling a move for a Blackpool star who’s started the season in red hot form.

That’s according to the Sun, who state 25-year-old Jerry Yates is now a man in demand.

Yates operates in a variety of positions and has counted centre-forward, No 10 and left wing among those he’s played this season.

The Blackpool attacker has notched eight goals in his first 16 matches this season including a brace and an assist last time out against Preston.

No fewer than 10 clubs are slated to have scouted Yates who is valued around the £5m mark. The highest profile trio among his suitors are seemingly Brentford, Bournemouth and Rangers.