In all the latest transfer gossip, Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson has had his say on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, while West Ham lead the striker race.

FERGUSON DECIDES RONALDO, MAN UTD FATE.

According to a report, Sir Alex Ferguson has made up his mind on Cristiano Ronaldo and wants the 37-year-old to stay at Manchester United next season.

The Portugal international has proved one of the only shining lights at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton took United to 56 goals conceded this season – a club record in the Premier League era.

What’s more, the Red Devils will now go on to record their lowest-ever points tally since the top flight’s reformation.

At the other end, though, Ronaldo’s 24 goals in 39 games have stopped the club’s situation getting worse.

Amid Man Utd‘s now highly likely failure to make the top four and next season’s Champions League, speculation has surfaced about whether Ronaldo will stay.

According to the Sunday Mirror, though, club icon Ferguson has asked the striker to stay for the second year of the two-year deal he signed last summer with Juventus.

United and Ronaldo have the option of extending for a further year to cover the 2023/24 season. However, the focus for now is on next season as new manager Erik ten Hag prepares to step in.

The newspaper adds that Ronaldo has held a "series of private meetings" with former manager Ferguson over his Old Trafford future.

The pair have also discussed how United’s season has gone from one of optimism to their current situation.

United finished second in the Premier League last season and started this campaign brightly. Ronaldo’s instant impact with two goals in his first three games added to expectations, which have not been met.

WEST WEST HAM LEAD BEN BRERETON DIAZ CHASE

A report has claimed that West Ham are on course to win the transfer race for in-demand Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Hammers have sought a new sign-up ever since Sebastien Haller left last January. The Ivory Coast star struggled to fit in in east London but has now hit goalscoring heights with Ajax.

Back at West Ham, Jarrod Bowen has stepped up to become an even greater threat across the front line. However, the England hopeful and Michail Antonio need support up top.

According to The Sun on Sunday, the Hammers therefore lead the race for Chile international Diaz.

The 23-year-old’s contract was initially set to run out this summer. However, the newspaper reports that Rovers will use their one-year option to keep him at the club.

Nevertheless, he will not be at Ewood Park for much longer as West Ham boss David Moyes is a big fan of Diaz.

The Scot is reportedly keen to add the player’s versatility in playing across the front line to his team. As for the fee, Diaz will reportedly cost £15 million.

Still, Sevilla remain in the race for Diaz, who struck his 22nd championship goal of the season on Saturday in a 2-1 win over Birmingham.

TRANSFER GOSSIP – MARCOS ALONSO IN BARCELONA MOVE

Marcos Alonso has reportedly decided to leave Chelsea for Barcelona to follow in his father’s footsteps.

The Blues' left-back initially developed in Real Madrid’s academy and moved to Stamford Bridge from Fiorentina in 2016.

But after six years in London, his future is unclear. He is also preparing to enter the final year of his Chelsea contract.

Reports in the past few weeks have claimed that Alonso has his heart set on moving back to Spain.

Furthermore, a move to Barcelona is his priority, and negotiations are ongoing. According to The Mirror, Alonso’s main reason for wanting to move to Barcelona is to try to emulate his father.

Marcos Alonso Pena played for the Camp Nou club between 1982 and 1987 as an attacking midfielder and made 161 appearances for the club.

What’s more, he picked up 22 Spain caps in his career and so wants to take on the inspiration he has gained from his father.