Man Utd: 142-goal star now has 'genuine interest' at Old Trafford

Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has gained ‘genuine interest’ from Sporting as question marks hang over his Old Trafford future, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Having sealed his return from Juventus less than 12 months ago, Ronaldo is keen to end his second spell with the Red Devils.

Ronaldo rocked Manchester United when it emerged that he wants a move away from Old Trafford to be sanctioned if a satisfactory offer is made.

Although the forward held showdown talks with new manager Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils’ hierarchy when he returned to Carrington on Tuesday, it did not go to plan for his current employers.

That is because it is understood that Ronaldo’s stance has not changed and he is looking to be freed from the final year of his contract due to a desire to compete in the upcoming campaign’s Champions League.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is known to have met Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, where a potential move to Stamford Bridge was discussed, while Atletico Madrid have upped the ante in their pursuit by putting Antoine Griezmann on the market.

It has been revealed that Portuguese giants Sporting are another club to have held talks with their academy product.

Crook has been informed that Sporting are mulling over whether to offer Ronaldo a route out of Manchester United.

The talkSPORT reporter understands that the Portuguese side would be able to offer the 37-year-old a return to Europe’s elite club competition, but there are doubts over whether the Red Devils will sanction the switch.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: “I got told today there was genuine interest from Sporting Lisbon, who obviously are in the Champions League.

“That would fulfil his wish, but I don’t know if United would sanction