Barcelona 'to rival Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo'

Barcelona could reportedly compete with Manchester United for the signature of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese attacker has been linked with a return to the Red Devils in recent months, having spent six seasons at Old Trafford before making an £80m switch to the Spanish capital.

However, El Larguero claims that Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta met with Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, on Thursday and is looking to line up a big-name target as part of his campaign.

The Blaugrana have been hit with a two-window transfer ban, but if they launch an appeal, Laporta may be able to seal moves for new signings including Ronaldo, and reports from Madrid suggest that his future with the club may not be certain.

Laporta spent seven years as president of Barcelona before being replaced by Sandro Rosell in 2010.