Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is expected to be the subject of a bid from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr during the next transfer window, according to CBS Sports.

Journalist James Benge claims that former United and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo is “championing ” the signing of the Croatian international, who could be offered the chance to earn $1m a week in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Nassr were keen on bringing Kovacic to the Middle East this summer but they were unable to offload the players they needed to get the deal done.

Saudi Pro League sides are only allowed eight foreign stars over the age of 21 and Al-Nassr did have a plan to free up the necessary space.

2 former Liverpool players would have been involved in transfer domino

CBS Sports reports that Al-Nassr were hoping to sell Sadio Mane to rivals Al-Ahli but that deal hinged on that club offloading another ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino to Al-Taawoun.

Neither of those transfers came off so an approach for Kovacic did not take place. Even so, the interest in the ex-Chelsea midfielder remains.

Will City sanction Kovacic’s move?

A lot will depend on the player. The club managed to convince Ederson to stay earlier this summer when Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad came calling, although many feel that was due to the two clubs refusing to pay City’s asking price.

Manager Pep Guardiola is not one for keeping players if they are unhappy. Kovacic is currently enjoying a run in the side but, when Rodri returns to full fitness, it could lead to the Croatian being benched.

If he doesn’t believe he is a first-team regular, Kovacic’s head could be turned by the money on offer from Saudi. It’s definitely a situation to monitor over the coming months.

Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here