Manchester United have always wanted to sign a new centre-forward and could still do so after Cristiano Ronaldo's request to leave the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 37-year-old is said to be unhappy at Old Trafford after the Red Devils' failure to qualify for the Champions League and has reportedly asked for a transfer.

GiveMeSport Transfer Latest

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What is the latest news involving Ronaldo?

The Telegraph recently reported that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly will ask Thomas Tuchel whether the former European champions should make a bid for Ronaldo this summer.

The above comes after The Athletic claimed that Chelsea were considering a move for the Portugal international after Boehly held talks with his agent Jorge Mendes last month.

Ronaldo only joined United last summer and has just under a year left on his contract.

However, the former Juventus star is thought to be keen on leaving Old Trafford for a second time due to a lack of Champions League football.

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What has Romano said about Ronaldo and United?

Romano has told GIVEMESPORT that United's plan was always to sign a new striker and that they still could following Ronaldo's decision to ask for a move.

Speaking to GMS, the transfer expert said: "They always wanted a centre-forward before having this Cristiano Ronaldo problem.

"But they want to sign a player who could be a top solution for Man United, not just a back-up option, so a player who could create competition with Cristiano in case he stays or to be a proper replacement for Cristiano."

Who could United sign to replace Ronaldo?

Romano recently told GMS that United were following Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. However, according to the journalist, he is set to remain in Italy this summer.

He could have been a suitable replacement, with the Argentine scoring 25 goals in all competitions last season - one more than Ronaldo managed.

Had Darwin Nunez not have gone to rivals Liverpool, he also could have been another option. The Uruguay international registered 34 times during the 2021/22 campaign and was even linked with a move to Old Trafford before his switch to Anfield.

Ultimately, with the likes of Martinez and Nunez not on the market, Erik ten Hag does not have too many options to turn to.

There is, of course, Robert Lewandowski, but Bayern Munich seem determined to keep hold of him, while the 33-year-old currently has his eyes on Barcelona, according to reports.

It means someone like Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who scored 14 goals in Serie A last season, is probably the best they can do.