Napoli urged against deadline day Cristiano Ronaldo transfer from Manchester United

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano has warned Napoli against a last ditch attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United before the transfer window closes.

Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford has been widely speculated all summer after the Real Madrid legend told United that he wanted to leave the club in search of Champions League football. The Portuguese striker has been linked with a number of clubs throughout the transfer window, with his agent Jorge Mendes having negotiated with Napoli over a potential move, Corriere dello Sport reported.

While the 37-year-old is expected to remain with United until at least January, the outspoken Cassano has still warned Serie A giants Napoli against signing Ronaldo. He claimed that the forward would 'create more problems than he solves' and even called for Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti to resign if a deal was done without his approval.

ALSO READ: Three things spotted in Man United training

"Would Spalletti agree to put himself a huge problem in the locker room? I doubt it. The problem is that Ronaldo does not help the team. goals per game," Cassano said, as per Area Napoli.

"From Spalletti I can expect him to say goodbye and thank you if the club decides to do this. For him it would be a big step backwards."

Cassano also suggested that it would make 'no sense' to sell striker Victor Osimhen to fund a move for Ronaldo.

He added: "Selling Osimhen for money and then putting a timebomb in it makes no sense."

United boss Ten Hag appeared to suggest that Ronaldo would remain at Old Trafford past the 11pm deadline tonight (Thursday).

Asked about Portuguese star at his press conference, Erik ten Hag said: "Yes of course. We need quality players. You need more to cover