Cristiano Ronaldo loan moves among final options with Victor Osimhen to Man Utd transfer unlikely – Paper Round

Ron loan?

Paper Round’s view: The clock is ticking, and it really is difficult to work out how this saga is going to end and where Ronaldo will be come September 2. At this rate, staying at United may well be the most likely outcome, but if he really truly absolutely despises the prospect of playing (or sitting on the bench) for a Europa League side – while a certain PSG forward has six Champions League group games to get a few goals on the board – then perhaps Ronaldo will take one of these final options after all. Sporting are up against Eintracht Frankfurt, Tottenham, and Marseille – which could take his fancy – in the groups, while Napoli face Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers. Two great groups, and a challenge should he move to either. Not long now to see how it plays out.

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Spurs eye Carrasco

Paper Round’s view: Conte admires a versatile player capable of playing as a wing-back? Well I never! There had been plenty of Carrasco to Manchester United talk, but the Red Devils are investing their money in Antony – and could be done for the summer according to reports – so it would be intriguing to see how Carrasco fares at fast-starting Spurs, if the move goes through, but from what we’ve seen from his performances, he fits the Conte bill.

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Southampton enter the Gakpo chat

Paper Round’s view: PSV are said to be willing to sell Gakpo for the right price, €45m, and with United seemingly out of the race, it may not be just Southampton that make a late move for the winger. A host of Premier League clubs could also be interested, but time is running out with the deadline on Thursday.

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Ziyech back to Ajax?

Paper Round’s view: Strange how it hasn’t worked out for Ziyech at Chelsea, given he seemed to have magic in his boots and had an impressive start at Stamford Bridge, but perhaps there is more to this fall down the pecking order than meets the eye. Either way, it’s a good boost for Ajax given they are about to lose Antony, so it works out well for all parties.