Scottish giants Rangers are reportedly considering a late move to sign Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain heading into the final week of the summer transfer window, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner still believed to be pushing for an exit.
Ronaldo was unable to help United qualify for the Champions League last season, and he is now keen to leave the club in order to join a team competing in Europe's most prestigious club competition.
On Wednesday night, Rangers secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time in 12 years.
The Gers are set to receive a £40m windfall for reaching the group stage and they could use those funds to delve back into the transfer market to strengthen their squad.
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According to journalist Peter Harding, Rangers have enquired about taking Ronaldo on loan, now that they have secured Champions League football for the 2022-23 campaign.
Ronaldo could be viewed by Rangers as a direct replacement for striker Alfredo Morelos, who faces an uncertain future at Ibrox with less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
The 25-year-old was left out of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's squad for their second-leg win over PSV due to concerns over his fitness levels and attitude.
Rangers have made seven signings so far this summer, but they now seem to be tempted by the prospect of luring legendary forward Ronaldo to Ibrox.
A host of top European clubs including the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Sporting Lisbon are all understood to have turned down the chance to sign the Portugal international.
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In addition, journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently played down suggestions that Ligue 1 outfit Marseille would be interested in Ronaldo, who has just a year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo, who scored 24 goals in 39 games for United last season, was dropped to the substitutes' bench for their 2-1 Premier League win at home to Liverpool on Monday, but head coach Erik ten Hag insists that the forward can be an important first-team player for the club this term.
"I think he can (adapt), and in his whole career and under several managers, he did. Several styles and systems. He always performed. Why can't he do this?" the Dutchman told reporters after the match.
"His age is not an issue. If you are young, you are good enough, and when you are old, you still deliver the performance, you are also good enough."
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will feature in the starting lineup for United's next Premier League encounter away at Southampton on Saturday lunchtime.
Oliver Thomas
