Cristiano Ronaldo’s medical at Saudi Arabia giants Al-Nassr ‘booked’

Ronaldo’s medical at Al-Nassr ‘booked’

Cristiano Ronaldo’s medical at Al-Nassr has reportedly been booked ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia. The Daily Mail, per CBS Sports, report that Al-Nassr have scheduled a medical, plus booked accommodation for the forward and his advisors. They are optimistic the deal will go through by the start of the January transfer window.

Paper Round’s view: On Monday, Al-Nassr’s sporting director Marcelo Salazar hinted at talks with the 37-year-old, and now it appears the blockbuster move has taken a step closer. If the deal materialises, Ronaldo will earn a reported £62m a year, will presumably score a lot of goals and could help Al-Nassr win their first title since 2019. Win, win.

United ready to splash out on Costa

The Sun, per AS, report that Manchester United are prepared to break a transfer record to land Diogo Costa from Porto. United are reportedly working towards a deal that could even cost more than the £72m that Chelsea paid for Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018. The club are also reportedly keen on tying David de Gea down to a new deal on a reduced wage rather than replacing the Spaniard completely.

Paper Round’s view: With De Gea’s contract at Old Trafford set to expire in the summer, it is no surprise that United are being linked with a new goalkeeper. Costa has been excellent for Porto this season and would be perfectly capable of playing out from the back, fitting in with Erik ten Hag’s vision. Nonetheless, it would be a gamble to replace last season’s players’ player of the year with someone who is untested in the Premier League, even more so given the figures that are being talked about.

Felix could join Chelsea on loan

Joao Felix could join Chelsea next month on an initial loan from Atletico Madrid, claim the Telegraph. The report states the Blues are considering a loan with an option or obligation to buy in the summer, with Felix out of favour with manager Diego Simeone, starting only one game since September. “While Chelsea’s rivals have been monitoring Felix, chairman Todd Boehly is believed to be willing to move swiftly for a deal.”

Paper Round’s view: Although struggling for gametime at his club, the 23-year-old was one of Portugal’s shining stars at the World Cup, reminding everyone of his qualities. It could be argued that Simeone’s style of play has stifled Felix and a move to Stamford Bridge could reignite his career. It now feels the right time for the young forward to move on and Graham Potter would be confident of getting the best out of him.

Elanga considering future at United

Anthony Elanga is considering his future at Manchester United, claim the Daily Mail, and the 20-year-old is attracting the attention of Everton. The report states that Elanga is growing frustrated at his peripheral role under Erik Ten Hag and could be set for a loan move in January, with the Toffees one of several clubs monitoring his situation.

Paper Round’s view: With Jadon Sancho currently out of contention, Alejandro Garnacho is currently enjoying a spell in United’s starting XI, with Elanga having to bide his time for some first team football. It is likely that Ten Hag will add another attacker to his squad in January so it make sense if Elanga left on loan to prove his worth and get some much-needed action. And Everton, currently embroiled in another relegation scrap, could do with a young, hungry and talented forward.