'Who knows?' - Napoli director responds to question on Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo

Sporting director Cristiano Guintoli has waved off speculation that Napoli were negotiating a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rumours suggested the Italian club were mulling over a swap deal for the Manchester United superstar involving striker Victor Osimhen. The attacker scored 18 times and recorded six assists last season, prompting interest from a number of top European clubs.

However, his agent came out to deny reports that his client was involved in any potential swap deal. Earlier this week, Guintoli said there had “never been a real negotiation” regarding Ronaldo.

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The 37-year-old has started on the bench for the last four United games amid their good run of form. He has struggled to reclaim regular game time after missing the club’s pre-season tour due to family reasons following his transfer request earlier in the summer.

Options away from Old Trafford thinned as the window progressed with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all ruling themselves out for a potential move. In days leading up to the deadline, Napoli were the sole club linked with a transfer for Ronaldo.

But now, Giuntoli has doubled down that this interest was never serious. “We never really talked about Ronaldo,” he said, via Football Italia.

“In football you get nowhere with ifs and buts. We are happy with the squad we have, we are confident this is a competitive team.” When asked whether Ronaldo would make a good strike partner for Osimhen, Guintoli responded: “Who knows?”

Unbeaten Napoli have gone on to produce a terrific start to the season, sitting second in Serie A and sweeping aside Liverpool 4-1 in Wednesday’s Champions League group stage opener.

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