Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Ten Hag decisive, as furious Man Utd reach Ronaldo decision; Tottenham get creative in Richarlison deal

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United star, ahead of Premier League clash against Brighton at AMEX Stadium

Man Utd have stood firm on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo after their anger at links to Chelsea emerged, while Tottenham have offered two players to Everton with a Richarlison deal now costlier than ever – both in Sunday’s Transfer Gossip.

TEN HAG DECISIVE ON RONALDO

Manchester United will not sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea this summer, and their fury at his name being brought up in a meeting between Todd Boehly and Jorge Mendes has emerged.

Ronaldo was met with a hero’s reception upon returning to Old Trafford last summer. The Portuguese did what he does best, plundering 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.

However, United’s season as a whole was a dismal one and initial excitement since appointing Erik ten Hag has quickly faded away.

The club’s lack of transfer activity thus far is a particular sore spot among the fanbase. What’s more, reports from overseas had begun to suggest Ronaldo was looking for a way out with Manchester United falling further behind their rivals amid their transfer inaction.

Ronaldo’s name was reportedly discussed in a meeting between agent Jorge Mendes and new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.

A Ronaldo switch to Stamford Bridge would kick the new Chelsea era off in style. But per the Mirror, Man Utd are having none of it.

It’s reported the club have categorically told the 37-year-old he is not for sale.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd, in action during the Premier League match v Brighton at AMEX Stadium

Furthermore, United’s were reportedly left ‘furious’ at the very idea of Ronaldo moving to Chelsea. 

As such, United have put their foot down, with a club source cited as saying: “Cristiano is not for sale. We want – and fully expect – him to be with us next season.”

Manager Ten Hag is reportedly including Ronaldo in his planning and preparations for pre-season. Clearly, the Dutchman does not expect Ronaldo to depart.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano echoed the Mirror’s sentiments. He added Ten Hag and United ‘both want Cristiano to stay and expect him to be part of the team next season’.

The trusted journalist concluded there are ‘no talks’ ongoing over the sale of Ronaldo at present.

RICHARLISON TO TOTTENHAM LATEST

Everton will demand ‘substantially more’ than first reported for Richarlison, leading to Tottenham offering two first-team players to reduce the cost, per a report.

The Brazilian has emerged as one of Antonio Conte’s primary targets to bolster his forward line. Raphinha is another on his list, though Arsenal have taken the lead for the Leeds Utd winger.

Everton are reportedly open to selling Richarlison as they seek to balance their books. Initial reports had claimed they’d seek around £50m for the 25-year-old, though that’s no longer the case.

Richarlison, Everton striker, during Premier League game at Tottenham

The Daily Mail report the Toffees will look to maximise their profits and push for ‘substantially more’ than the £50m figure.

One factor behind Everton’s firm stance is the fact 10 percent of any sale over £40m will make its way to Richarlison’s former club Watford per a sell-on clause.

While no new sum was cited, Fabrizio Romano previously claimed Everton could hold out for £60m-£64m.

Spurs are reportedly continuing talks with Frank Lampard’s side and have put two names forward as makeweights.

Midfielder Harry Winks and wantaway winger Lucas Moura have both been proposed, per the report.

Tottenham are aware Everton would like a sale wrapped up prior to the Financial Fair Play deadline on June 30.

Chelsea’s interest in Richarlison is reaffirmed in the piece. However, the Blues have other irons in the fire that could divert their attention, including Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST CLOSE IN LIVERPOOL, WOLVES DEALS

Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest are ready to fork out £35m on a double deal for Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White, per a report.

Steve Cooper’s side have already broken their transfer record for striker Taiwo Awoniyi. The Nigerian was on Liverpool’s books for six years before moving to Union Berlin last summer. Per the Sun, he could soon be joined at the City Ground by another Reds-connected star.

Right-back Neco Williams is available for £15m and the Sun claim Forest are ‘closing in’ on his signature. That will come as a bitter blow to Fulham. The Cottagers were seeking to bring the Welshman back on board following his successful loan stint last season.

Adding fuel to the fire is the claim Williams would prefer a switch to Forest rather than return to Fulham.

Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk, Neco Williams and Trent Alexander-Arnold

Elsewhere, Forest are seemingly in the mix to sign Wolves’ Gibbs-White.

The 22-year-old midfielder – who bagged 11 goals while on loan at Sheffield Utd last term – is due to let Wolves know of his future intentions soon. It’s noted a £20m bid could see Wolves reluctantly part ways.

Also on the agenda for Forest is applying the finishing touches to Dean Henderson’s loan from Manchester United.