Ronaldo Could Play Alongside Former Manchester United Player Next Season

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts.

REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United was certainly the storm of the winter. At Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese superstar was slow to attain his mojo but with a game in which he netted four goals and another in which he provided two assists, a flair of his former brilliance is on show yet again.

Now, he may be joined in his efforts by another Premier League star who formerly featured for the Red Devils.

As per the Evening Standard Al-Nassr, amongst other Saudi Arabian clubs, are looking to attract Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer by the end of the present campaign.

The 30-year-old presently plies his trade for Crystal Palace and is scheduled to become a free agent by the end of the season with multiple reports making it clear that the forward does not wish to renew a deal. In fact, the same source strongly suggested that Zaha is open to a switch to the Gulf state, which may account for the multi-pronged interest from Saudi clubs.

A Zaha-Ronaldo link-up would certainly be an attractive prospect up-front, but there is also a chance that Ronaldo will eye Zaha in the ranks of one of their rivals, with both Al-Hillal and Al-Ittihad also reported to be keen on the signing.

If the move does go through, it will paint an increasingly common trend of Premier League talent choosing the Saudi Pro League as an avenue of departure. The eye-watering sums that clubs in the oil-rich state are capable of offering often giants over any offer a traditional European side tends to make. In Zaha’s case, Serie A outfit AC Milan is believed to be interested too.

Where will the Ivory Coast star feature at the start of next season?