MANCHESTER UNITED have targeted Everton star Richarlison as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, reports suggest.
That is according to Caught Offside, who claim United have held talks with the Brazilian’s representatives as they prepare for a potential exit by Ronaldo.
The Red Devils’ head of transfers Matt Judge is said to have met with the Brazil international’s agency Velasco earlier this year to discuss a potential summer deal.
The 24-year-old’s agents asked for a significant pay rise with his wages currently standing at a little under £5million per year.
It is understood Everton would demand a transfer fee of around £65m, although that could change if they are relegated.
Ronaldo‘s future at Old Trafford is in serious doubt after missing Sunday’s derby with rivals Manchester City.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unhappy after being told on Friday that he was axed from interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s starting line-up to face City.
United then claimed he was out due to a hip problem.
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Instead, the Real Madrid legend was understood to have flown home to Portugal.
The Portugal captain’s future at United depends mostly on him but the club’s hierarchy are unlikely to stand in his way if he decides to leave in the summer.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has amassed a total of of 15 goals and three assists in 31 matches this season.
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