"I know" - talkSPORT reporter says Man Utd "sounding out" new targets for key position

Manchester United have been ‘sounding out strikers’ in case Cristiano Ronaldo departs the club this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The 37-year-old’s future remains shrouded in doubt after it was revealed he has informed the United hierarchy of his wish to seek pastures new ahead of next season.

Duncan Castles of The Times recently reported that Ronaldo has ‘asked to be allowed to leave’ Old Trafford for the second time in his career should a ‘satisfactory offer’ arrive.

It’s believed that a desire to play in the Champions League is the driving force behind the Portugal international’s request while the club’s limited activity in the transfer market is also a prominent factor.

ESPN have since claimed that Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has offered his client to Paris Saint-Germain, but they have turned the opportunity to sign him down as they don’t have enough space on their wage bill.

However, Castles now states that United are ‘making headway’ in their attempts to convince Ronaldo to stay put, meaning his exit is not a foregone conclusion.

Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions in 38 appearances across all competitions.

And Crook has informed GiveMeSport that the 20-time English champions are already making contingency plans in the event that he does force his exit just 12 months after making his return.

He told GMS: “I know they’ve been sounding out strikers, but they have to really, just to prepare for the possible departure of Ronaldo.”

German outlet Sport Bild have disclosed that United are hoping to hijack Ajax’s attempts to sign Brian Brobbey’s from RB Leipzig as Erik ten Hag wants to be reunited with him.

Meanwhile, back in May, Italian