Manchester United are in talks to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially bring about a sensational return to Old Trafford for the Portuguese star.
It had seemed that Manchester City would be given a clear run at recruiting the 36-year-old but it is understood United are not giving up on sealing the transfer themselves.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer placed United firmly in the middle of the battle for Ronaldo by telling his former team-mate: “We’re here.”
Solskjaer said he did not want to “speculate” on Ronaldo’s future after the Portugal international told Juventus of his wish to leave. But the United manager did not hide his admiration for Ronaldo, in what appeared an open play for his signature.
Solskjaer said: “He is a legend of this club, the greatest player of all time if you ask me. I was fortunate enough to play with him. I coached him when I got my job. He almost retired me because that Wolverhampton game when I got injured he kept switching sides.
“He is such a tremendous human being as well. Let’s see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who has played with him has a soft spot for him.
“We’ve always had a good communication. Bruno (Fernandes) has been talking to him. He knows what we feel about him. If he was ever going to move away from Juventus, he knows we’re here.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remained coy regarding the possibility of Ronaldo moving to The Etihad. The Athletic reported on Thursday that City are holding talks with Ronaldo’s representatives ahead of a possible move this summer.
He said: “Cristiano is a Juventus player and I can’t say anything else. All I can say in these three, four days left of the transfer window anything can happen.
“Right now I am more than delighted with the squad we have and we will stay the same.
“I say the same; Cristiano will decide where he wants to play, not Manchester City, not myself. There are many things that are far away.”
