Manchester United are reportedly tracking Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, valued at £50m, while Bruno Fernandes has opened up on a private conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward's withdrawal from international duty.
United's interest in Matanovic
According to CaughtOffside, United have been discussing the Croatia striker internally with a view to making an offer in 2027, either in January or, more likely, next summer. The 23-year-old has impressed at Freiburg, helping the German side reach last season's Europa League final, where they lost to Aston Villa.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also credited with an interest, and there is a growing feeling that Matanovic, who is said to be open to moving to England, will become a Premier League player sooner rather than later. Freiburg are aware of the 6'5" forward's growing value and are said to have increased their valuation from £30m to £50m.
Matanovic has two goals from 14 caps for his country and came off the bench at half-time in Croatia's 7-0 home defeat to England in the Nations League.
Fernandes on Ronaldo chat
Bruno Fernandes has revealed details of a private chat with Cristiano Ronaldo following the latter's sudden withdrawal from international duty. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after a bust-up with head coach Jorge Jesus, who had left the 41-year-old on the bench for the 2-1 away win over Norway.
Ronaldo said in an Instagram post that he would "in due course tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons" behind the decision. While there has been no confirmation, the 41-year-old's international career looks to be over.
Ahead of Portugal's home clash with Norway in Porto on Sunday, Fernandes revealed he had spoken to Ronaldo. He 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."
In a plea for unity, he 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. 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."
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be part of Jesus's squad for the final Nations League group matches in November against Denmark and Wales.
