Cristiano Ronaldo 'can leave Manchester United in January' and more transfer rumours

Manchester United have told forward Cristiano Ronaldo that he is free to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to reports.

As per the Telegraph, the 37-year-old has been informed that he will be allowed to move on and that the Reds 'will not stand in his way if a good offer comes in'. The report claims that despite his difficult start to the season, Ronaldo has remained 'highly professional' behind the scenes.

Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford in the summer in search of Champions League football, however, a move failed to materialise and he remained in Manchester. The Real Madrid legend has started one Premier League match this term, and has scored just one goal - which came against Sheriff in the Europa League.

The veteran forward's contract expires next year, and he appears surplus to requirements under manager Erik ten Hag. With Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both returning from injury, Ronaldo is likely to continue from the bench.

Elsewhere, Leicester City are said to be considering a move for United midfielder Donny van de Beek, according to Jeunes Footeux (Via Sport Witness).

The Dutchman, who signed for the Reds in 2020, has struggled for game time since his move to Old Trafford and has registered just 19 minutes of action so far this campaign. Van de Beek has dropped down the pecking order following the summer arrival of Casemiro and it is thought that United would allow him to leave in January.

The report claims that Brendan Rodgers' side are 'attentive to the situation' of the 25-year-old and that a loan move with an 'option to buy under conditions of €15m is currently being studied'.

Van de Beek, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton, has made 53 appearances in all competitions for United, but has only started on 19 occasions.