Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus has not been officially announced due to Real Madrid’s failure to secure his replacement, according to reports.
Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda claims despite an agreement being on the brink of being reached, no announcement will be made until Madrid have signed his replacement.
Madrid see Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar as the ideal fit to replace the departing Portuguese, and Inda says they want to announce a deal for the former Barcelona star after they’ve sold Ronaldo.
“I pointed out last week that Neymar is closer than it seems and that Real Madrid is forcing the machine. They try to have an exit and an arrival,” he told OK Diario.
“Real Madrid has demanded that Juventus [CEO Giuseppe] Marotta come to close the signing and that Cristiano be dismissed.”
The European champions want to announce the signing of Neymar to coincide with Ronaldo’s exit.
They realise the departure of one of their greatest ever players will likely cause unrest among the fans and as a result the announcement of Neymar will soften the blow.
OK Diario claim Madrid are closing in on a deal for the Brazilian following his showing at the World Cup.