Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead of local rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus this summer.
The 36-year-old has told Juventus that he wants to leave the club in the final days of the transfer window, and there had been intense speculation linking him with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Some reports had suggested that personal terms had been agreed and that the only stumbling block was the £25m transfer fee Juventus were demanding, with Man City widely expected to wrap up the transfer of the Man United legend before Tuesday's deadline.
However, numerous sources now report that the Red Devils have hijacked the bid and are close to sealing a sensational return for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Man City are understood to have pulled out of the race following talks with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes on Friday, leaving Man United as the clear front-runners for his signature.
United reportedly opened talks with Mendes on Thursday evening, with negotiations moving quickly and Ronaldo's preference now being a return to Old Trafford.
The 20-time English champions are expected to submit a formal contract offer to the Portuguese forward in the coming hours and are now confident of tying him down to a two-year deal.
Ronaldo made 292 appearances for Man United between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals and helping the club to three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League crown.
Barney Corkhill
