Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo 'Clear' on Real Exit Rumours

By Tom Sunderland , 

Real Madrid poster boy Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly "clear" in the understanding he'll take his leave of the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, giving Manchester United extreme hope of signing their former talisman once more.

According to a report from Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, the Portuguese's mind is already made up that his future lies away from Madrid, although Paris Saint-Germain will offer competition for his signature (h/t Metro's Tom Olver).

Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press

The speculation has emerged as the discontent continues to grow at the Bernabeu. The Daily Mail's Rob Draper reported "clear-the-air" talks were held with manager Rafa Benitez in the wake of the 4-0 hammering at Barcelona's hands in November.
Benitez's maiden campaign at Los Blancos' helm has hardly been a fairytale journey thus far, but the tactician recently insisted any rumours of a divide between him and Ronaldo are false, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan: "[Cristiano] is a magnificent player, fundamental for us. I have no problem with him."

Is 2016 the year Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford?

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Most Red Devils have longed to see their prodigal son return to Old Trafford ever since his 2009 departure, but as long as his world-beating form has put him in contention for major silverware and Ballon d'Or titles, that comeback has remained out of reach.
However, with Los Merengues currently sitting six points behind Barca in La Liga and Manchester United challenging for the Premier League lead, this may be as profitable a time as any for Ronaldo to leave.
As aforementioned, French giants PSG offer a huge threat in the hunt, considering they would be one of the few other clubs capable of financing a deal and offering aspirations to compete at the pinnacle of European football.
While results have waned slightly this season, alongside Ronaldo's own dip in form, Sky Sports Statto nonetheless depicted the Portugal captain as one of the most prolific players in history:
James Robson of the Manchester Evening News recently reported that United genuinely believe themselves to be capable of signing the world's elite once again following several seasons of obscurity following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
Speaking to The Football Republic, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague gave his take on why Ronaldo's

Real Madrid road appears to be coming upon a turning point (via Full Time Devils):
Ronaldo being motivated to seal a move away from Real Madrid could well prove to be the secret ingredient Manchester United have been aching for in their effort to sanction the return of the three-time Ballon d'Or winner.
A lot may depend on how Real Madrid are able to recover from a below-par start to the campaign as they look to convince their superstar the capital is the best setting he could hope fo