DAVID BECKHAM’S Inter Miami are lining up a sensational January window swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo.
America’s MLS side are planning a return bid to try and sign the Manchester United superstar, after failing last summer.
But Old Trafford legend and former team-mate Wayne Rooney claims the five-time Ballon D’Or winner – now 37 – is past his best.
Rooney – now boss at MLS side DC United – insisted: “Cristiano and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest players to ever play the game.
“But, ultimately, time catches up with us all. It’s a tough one for Cristiano. He is obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23.”
Old Trafford insiders claim Ronaldo would seriously consider a move to America, after spending much of the season on the bench under new boss Erik ten Hag.
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And Rooney added: “Knowing him, it’ll be very difficult for him to sit on the bench.”
Inter, the club ex-United star Beckham helped found in 2018, have sounded out the possibility, and prepared to offer a £30million package for the Portuguese legend.
United knocked back an attempt to sign him on a free in the last transfer window, insisting they wanted a fee.
Inter, who reached the MLS play-offs last week, believe Ronaldo could now be available for nothing, after Ten Hag made it obvious he does not have a major role in his plans.
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Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain is their current marquee player, but he is retiring at the end of the season – and signing one of football’s all-time greats would be viewed as a massive coup.
Ronaldo, who took Beckham’s No.7 shirt when he joined United first time round, still harbours a dream of playing in Europe – and the Champions League – and PSG would consider a move if Messi returned to Barcelona in the summer.
But waiting for a move to France which might never happen would be a huge gamble for the Portuguese striker… and Inter want to seal a deal before then.
It could see him remain at Old Trafford for the rest of the English season, although United are more likely to let him go in January – if the terms are acceptable.
Training ground sources believe Ronaldo might now use the Qatar World Cup as his top-flight swansong.
Ronaldo has made only one league start under ten Hag – the 4-0 hiding at Brentford – and five more off the bench.
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He has played in all three Europa League games, and his solitary goal this season came in September’s win over Moldovan minnows Sheriff Tiraspol.
Insiders insist his training levels and attitude are still impressive, but also say he is downcast at his situation.
