Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal recently admitted that they are trying to bring back Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the Old Trafford if not this January then next summer.
The Sun reported that the 63-year-old Dutch mentor "confirmed publicly for the first time" the club's desire to re-acquire the three-time Ballon d'Or winner as they look to improve their attacks and provide support to Wayne Rooney up front.
The 30-year-old Ronaldo, who was sold by United in 2009 to Real for a then world transfer record of £80 million, is reportedly open to a move out of the Bernabéu especially after Los Blancos' recent 0-4 beating suffered in the hands of perennial rival FC Barcelona in last Saturday's El Clásico and his rumored falling out with manager Rafa Benitez.
Ronaldo had also recently said that he is looking forward to teaming up with Rooney soon and probably end his career with both of them playing together.
"We are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly ungettable," van Gaal said, as per the Independent. "With Ronaldo, let's wait and hope. There is no trainer in the world that doesn't like him."
The Portugal captain has brought three Premier League titles to Manchester during his six-year stay in England and is considered as one of the most successful acquisitions of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The report also said that Real is okay to part ways with Ronaldo as long as they "recoup their £80m outlay".
Meanwhile, van Gaal also revealed that while they wait for Ronaldo, United is planning to sign West Brom striker Saido Berahino this January for £25 million, a deal which could push the Red Devils to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the English top flight title.