The Biggest Setback Facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Potential Move to Atletico Madrid

• There have been positive meetings between Cristiano Ronaldo’s representatives and Diego Simeone
• Ronaldo is keen on leaving Old Trafford to play for a side that is in the Champions League
• Reports in Spain however suggest Los Colchoneros might not be able to afford Ronaldo’s hefty £480k-a-week wages

Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential move to Atletico Madrid is reportedly being hampered by the Spanish giants’ inability to afford his wages.

The five-time Ballon d’or winner’s transfer options are slimming by the day, and Atletico Madrid was considered one of his last resorts.

Daily Star's reports indicated Ronaldo’s representatives were engaged in positive talks with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone over a potential transfer.

But in the latest hurdle facing the 37-year-old, Marca reports that Atletico Madrid might not be able to match Ronaldo’s £480k-a-week wages.

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In addition, Atletico Madrid reportedly also need to generate at least £34m in order for the deal to look plausible.

Ronaldo’s dilemma

Having recently turned down a mouth-watering £233m contract in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano gave super agent Jorge Mendes specific instructions to find him a club that plays in the Champions League.

However, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain all ruling out potential transfers, Ronaldo is looking more likely to stay at United, who are in the Europa League.

He is yet to resume training with the first team and was recently spotted by championship side Sheffield United training alone in Portugal.

Ten Hag hails new signings

Elsewhere, Erik ten Hag hailed the "magnificent" Christian Eriksen and "warrior" Lisandro Martinez will bring creative flair and fighting spirit to Manchester United.

The pair join Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia as the Dutchman's three key signings so far as he looks to inject new life into the Old Trafford team after their woeful campaign last season.

"I think he (Eriksen) is a magnificent football player and I think the fans will enjoy watching him, because he's creative, he has ideas," the manager said on the club website from Melbourne, where they are on a pre-season tour.