Cristiano Ronaldo could complete Man City transfer but only if Gabriel Jesus joins Juventus in swap and Sterling leaves
MANCHESTER CITY are interested in swapping Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo with Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
It's believed Pep Guardiola's side will make a move for the Manchester United legend - but only if Raheem Sterling leaves the club.
The Portugal captain has just one year left on his existing deal and reportedly wants to leave Turin to secure himself a long-term contract.
Juventus claim they want to Ronaldo to stay and there doesn't appear to be many clubs interested in him at this late stage in the transfer window.
City, however, have been linked with the player in recent days after their reported pursuit of Tottenham striker Harry Kane stalled.
Manager Guardiola is in need of a new striker after releasing record goalscorer Sergio Aguero at the end of last season.
City are thought to be reluctant to pay a transfer fee for Ronaldo, 36, but are willing to do a swap deal with Juventus for Gabriel Jesus.
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The Italian giants are believed to be interested in signing Jesus, 24, who is yet to show his best under Guardiola in the Premier League.
But rumours suggest a swap deal between the two parties will only go through IF Sterling leaves City in the coming days.
The 26-year-old has been pivotal to the club's success in recent years but has just two years left on his existing deal.
I can absolutely confirm Ronaldo will remain at Juventus this season.
Pavel Nedved
City reportedly want to keep Sterling at the Etihad and will offer him a new contract, along with Phil Foden and goalkeeper Ederson.
Guardiola has also suggested that new £100m signing Jack Grealish can learn from Sterling in the next couple of years.
Speaking after City's 5-0 win against Norwich, the Spanish coach told the press: "Raheem Sterling, when I arrived four of five years ago, didn’t have the goal in his mind. That changed.
"Raheem scored a goal today because he arrived in the central position like a No9.
"He is a machine there. He changed his mind and decided he is going to score, score, score.
"If Jack gets the mentality to score goals like Raheem, he can do it. It was a special performance."
There have also been rumours of swap deal for Ronaldo involving Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte - and that does NOT depend on Sterling's situation.
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