Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United Transfer Odds Slashed

The Cristiano Ronaldo transfer-rumor merry-go-round is once again in full swing after a leading English bookmaker slashed the odds on his potential return to Manchester United.

The Portuguese forward has been repeatedly linked to a move back to Old Trafford this season. And after Real Madrid’s abject defeat to their cross-city rivals, Atletico Madrid, last weekend, as well as the sways of criticism leveled at Ronaldo over his birthday celebration just hours after the loss, speculation has increased once again.

The Daily Star has reported that Ladbrokes have slashed down the odds over Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential move to Manchester United. They are now at evens. This came just a day after the Premier League agreed a new $7.8 billion television deal, which will run between 2017-2019.

City AM has reported that the repercussions of this monumental deal has already seen Manchester United’s stock on the New York Stock Exchange soar by over 5 percent. And this huge injection of cash is likely to see a number of big-money transfer attempts by English clubs.

Over the last few months, the likes of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, both of whom are widely regarded as the best players in the world, have been linked with a move to the Premier League, and the fact that so much money is currently floating around the league suggests that they would be paid handsomely if they did agree to the transfers.

While it would take a lot to get Messi to agree a transfer away from his beloved Barcelona, where he has played for over 15 years and who have helped to mould him into a soccer icon, a Ronaldo move is more likely.

While there’s no doubting the fact that the three time Ballon d’Or winner is still a formidable soccer talent, the fact that he recently turned 30 means that Real Madrid will be open to huge offers for the player.

Ronaldo has also made no secret of his adulation for Manchester United, where he is still regarded as a demigod by the Old Trafford faithful. In fact, his name is still sung at every Manchester United match.

Manchester United would also adore to have him back on their roster, and his acquisition would be a big sign of intent from Louis Van Gaal, as he looks to return the English giants to the summit of their domestic league. It would still cost at least $100 million to prize the player away from the Bernabeu, though.

[Image via Adam Petty/Getty Images]