Fiorentina have allegedly identified Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo as a potential transfer target.
In the week before the World Cup, it was revealed that Ronaldo had held an in-depth interview with Piers Morgan, using it to launch a scathing attack on his club.
Head coach Erik ten Hag, the Glazer Family, and former players were among those who received stinging criticism from the Portuguese superstar.
Since then, United have been giving consideration over how to respond to the situation, the likelihood being that the 37-year-old has played his last game for the Premier League giants.
As it stands, however, Ronaldo's next club does not look obvious with the majority of European football's biggest clubs expected to look elsewhere if they choose to strengthen their attack.
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A recent report suggested that Ronaldo would have liked to have returned to Real Madrid, but Los Blancos are said to be against a reunion at the midway point of the campaign.
Instead, according to Calciomercato, Fiorentina are prepared to offer Ronaldo a route back to Serie A, where he has previously represented Juventus.
Fiorentina currently occupy 10th position in Italy's top flight, helped by three wins from four games coming before the break for the World Cup.
Although I Viola cannot offer a Serie A title challenge, they remain in Europe having qualified for the last 32 of the Europa Conference League.
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While the report highlights that a transfer is 'highly unlikely', it is suggested that Fiorentina would welcome the arrival of Ronaldo for the second part of the season.
Now on international duty with Portugal at the World Cup, Ronaldo has moved to defend his interview with Morgan, hinting that he was right to speak out about his current situation.
The veteran told reporters: "In my life, the best timing is always my timing. From your side it is easy to look at how we can choose timings.
"Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don't have to think about what other people think. I speak when I want."
Ronaldo is expected to start when Portugal face Ghana on Thursday.
Darren Plant
