Ronaldo to Juventus? Reports of sensational transfer gaining steam

It couldn't happen, could it?

Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio revealed Tuesday that Juventus is thinking about signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, corroborating rampant reports in the Spanish press that the Portuguese superstar is agitated in the capital and ready to leave.

Hints of a potential departure emerged late last month when Spanish publication OKDiario claimed Madrid had lowered Ronaldo's release clause from €1 billion to a more realistic €120 million.

Ronaldo also cast doubt on his future after the Champions League final, telling beIN Sport "it was very nice to be at Real Madrid."

Di Marzio reports that Ronaldo would "gladly" leave Los Blancos for another team and that Juventus has sounded out the 33-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes, to assess whether a transfer is feasible.

However, it appears talks are at a very early stage.

It's unclear whether Juventus would have the money to fund a transfer of this magnitude. Di Marzio estimates it would cost the Bianconeri a potential €400 million between fees and wages.

Juventus has spent big before, acquiring Gonzalo Higuain in 2016 for a reported €90 million. It appears the obstacle is Ronaldo's request for a contract worth €30 million a year. That would shatter the club's current wage structure, which is currently headed by Higuain at €7.5 million per season.

Even though the seven-time defending Serie A champion has enjoyed a steady increase in revenue over the years - up to a sizable €562.7 million during the 2016-17 campaign - it would require a monumental financial effort to sign Ronaldo.