Report: Manchester City hold talks with Ronaldo's reps

Manchester City have engaged in negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo's representative about potentially signing the Portuguese superstar, according to The Athletic's Adam Crafton and James Horncastle.

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes met with Juventus officials Thursday and discussed the 36-year-old's future in Italy, The Athletic adds. City have yet to agree to a deal with Ronaldo or Juventus.

A Premier League return, however, appears to be on the horizon, as ESPN's Rodrigo Faez and Gabriele Marcotti report that an agreement between City and Ronaldo's camp is close.

Juventus are expected to demand around a €28 million fee and are said to be eager to remove Ronaldo's salary from their wage bill.

It's understood that City boss Pep Guardiola and Ronaldo, whose contract at Juventus expires next summer, spoke on the phone Thursday morning, ESPN adds.

City's interest in adding the five-time Ballon d'Or winner seemingly increased in the days since Ronaldo's representatives reportedly approached them earlier this week.

Losing out on Harry Kane may have played a role, as City were reportedly trying to sign the English striker before he committed to staying with Tottenham Hotspur this season.

The star forward's potential arrival at the Etihad Stadium will likely upset Manchester United supporters, given that he spent six years with City's rivals before joining Real Madrid in 2009.

Ronaldo joined Juventus from Real Madrid in 2018, racking up 101 goals in 134 appearances and helping the team win two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia.