Manchester United are tracking Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, with a potential bid mooted for 2027, while captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal forward's sudden international exit.
Matanovic on United's radar
United have reportedly joined a growing list of clubs monitoring the Croatia forward, according to CaughtOffside. The club are weighing up a move in 2027, either in January or, more likely, next summer.
The 23-year-old has impressed at Freiburg, helping the German club reach last season's Europa League final, where they lost to Aston Villa. Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be tracking the 6ft 5ins striker, who is thought to be open to a move to England.
Freiburg have reportedly increased their valuation from £30m to £50m as interest grows. Matanovic has scored twice in 14 appearances for Croatia and came on at half-time in their 7-0 Nations League defeat to England.
Fernandes on Ronaldo exit
Bruno Fernandes has revealed details of a private conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo after the 41-year-old left the Portugal squad following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway and later said he would "in due course tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons" for his exit.
Speaking before Portugal's home match against Norway in Porto, Fernandes said: "I had a conversation with Cris. What I told him is that the most important thing, regardless of what happens, is that he will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team and country, for everything he has done in Portugal and around the world. He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people."
Fernandes added: "We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors. I think that's how it will be, and that everything will end well on both sides."
He also urged fans not to take sides, saying: "We are out of the matter; we spend a lot of time playing cards and are outside the controversy surrounding this issue, but I ask that the country not be divided, not make choices, and accept all sides. Cris will always be the greatest icon of our national team, of world football, and deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or less."
