Ronaldo's Saudi Sulks Spark Madness: Salah, Bruno on Shopping List as Transfers Heat Up

Ever wondered what happens when Cristiano Ronaldo throws a proper strop? Well, mate, Al-Nassr are finding out the hard way. The Portuguese legend's skipped a couple of games amid a row over winter signings, with sources close to ESPN Italy whispering he's boycotting matches because the Saudi Public Investment Fund didn't splash enough cash. At 41, CR7's still got that winning mentality, but now it looks like he's eyeing a sentimental return to Sporting CP, complete with a cheeky £43m release clause kicking in this summer.

Saudi bigwigs, per The I Paper, aren't sweating it. They're gearing up to replace him with heavy hitters like Liverpool's Mohamed Salah or Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes – both long-time targets for the Pro League. Imagine Salah trading Anfield for the desert or Bruno linking up with old pals in Riyadh. It's the kind of blockbuster swap that'd make your pint spill.

Midfield Merry-Go-Round: McKennie, Rodri and More in the Mix

Over in Italy, Inter Milan are plotting a cheeky freebie on Weston McKennie. Tuttosport reckon CEO Beppe Marotta fancies nabbing the USMNT star when his Juventus deal expires in June. Luciano Spalletti's made the 27-year-old a regular, but with MLS sides also circling their prodigal son (he hasn't played Stateside since ditching FC Dallas as a kid), this could be one to watch. Juve want him tied down, but free transfers are football's ultimate heist.

Real Madrid aren't messing about either. TEAMtalk says they're prepping a mega bid for Manchester City's Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or kingpin, to plug a leadership gap. With Pep Guardiola's future murky, the Spanish powerhouse sees the skipper material as their midfield anchor. Rodri's even admitted he'd ponder a Bernabeu switch – talk about perfect timing.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are eyeing Juventus's Manuel Locatelli as Calciomercato reports. After a Coppa Italia drubbing by Atalanta, the 28-year-old ex-Sassuolo man could be surplus. And ironically, United might cash in on Bruno Fernandes themselves this summer to reshape midfield – stranger things have happened at Old Trafford.

Blues Back in for Porto Hotshot, Plus Contract Chaos and Free Agent Frenzy

Chelsea haven't given up on FC Porto's Samu Aghehowa. The 21-year-old Spanish sharpshooter, who's bagged 47 goals in 76 games since snubbing Stamford Bridge last year, is back on their radar per TEAMtalk. Imagine him terrorising defences alongside Cole Palmer – the Blues' attack could explode.

Contract sagas are everywhere. Liverpool are haggling a new deal for Ibrahima Konaté (Football Insider), while Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid stay is wobbly – but don't expect a Reds reunion, with City and Bayern sniffing around. United want to quadruple Kobbie Mainoo's wages to keep him past 2027 (talkSPORT), Newcastle fancy Curtis Jones as Tonali/Guimaraes insurance, and LaLiga minnows like Getafe and Sevilla eye free agent Dele Alli.

Done deals? Celtic are snapping up ex-Arsenal man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free (Sky Sports), Palmeiras grab Jhon Arias from Wolves for £21.7m (talkSPORT), and Vasco da Gama loan in Cuiabano from Forest. PSG kid Emmanuel Mbemba snubbed a pro deal for Bayern or Leverkusen dreams (L'Equipe), while Flamengo circle Evanilson again.

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens nailed it on ESPN: Ronaldo needs to clock it's not all about him. With summer looming, these rumours are hotter than a Riyadh afternoon. Grab your notebook – the window's about to burst open.

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