Manchester United have been given further encouragement over a sensational move to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo, after Real Madrid showed their interests in signing goalkeeper David De Gea and winger Nani.
Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with his current situation at Real Madrid, and things have not changed for the better since he said he was "sad" earlier this season.
The Portuguese superstar wants his contract renewed, with a pay rise, and has hinted at the possibility of forcing a move away.
United could be ready to take advantage, by offering De Gea, Nani and around £60 million ($97 million) to Real Madrid for their former player, according to The Sun.
Spanish newspaper AS had reported earlier that Ronaldo was ready to turn down any contract offer if the club do not give him enough support, and if Real are pushed to sell their player, the transfer fee would come down considerably.
Ronaldo is reportedly keen to go back to Old Trafford, where he enjoyed much success, and still regards Sir Alex Ferguson as a father figure. Ferguson, himself, has said several times he would love nothing more that to bring Ronaldo back to United, but admitted the transfer fee would be a major hurdle.
However, if reports are to be believed, Ronaldo could yet be on his way to United, where he turned into superstar, with the Red Devils ready to offer him wages of around £250,000-300,000 a week ($403,000-$484,000).
Paris Saint Germain is the other possibility for Ronaldo, and the French club are capable of outbidding United for the player, with the 27-year-old also likely to earn a higher salary if he does agree to link up with the capital club.
However, if Ronaldo goes with his heart over his head, the likelihood of joining United increases considerably.
De Gea has hardly convinced anyone with his goalkeeping ever since making his move to Old Trafford, and Nani, despite Ferguson's comments that he will stay, is expected to leave in the summer, if not January, with his current contract set to expire in 2014.
Real Madrid might yet convince Ronaldo to stay, with a bumper contract; but the chances of one of United's favorite sons rejoining the club next summer cannot be ruled out.