Manchester United Transfer Rumors 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo Wants to Return to the Old Trafford; Is His Price Tag Too High?

Cristiano Ronaldo has a flair for the dramatic and never was it more evident than at the start of the 2012-13 season. The Portuguese superstar has repeatedly stated his discontent with Real Madrid and it seems that he may finally be on his way out of the defending champions locker room as soon as January.

According to The Sun, the 27-year-old has told his friends and former Manchester United teammates that he wants to "come home." The reason behind his desire is the lack of a new deal from Real Madrid. Ronaldo has waited 11 months for a new contract and has yet to receive an offer.

Ronaldo has an 810 million pound get-out clause (1 billion Euros) and transfer costs for him could rise as high as 122 million pounds. Few teams would be able to meet this requirement. French side Paris Saint-Germain has stated an interest in buying Ronaldo, but it seems that his heart is set on his former club. "It felt very good there, it was like a family. I had six great years there and am still friends with my team-mates," he stated. "It is thanks to Manchester United that I am here playing for Real Madrid. Without them, I wouldn't be the player I am today."

Ronaldo's anger toward Real Madrid was highlighted a few months ago when he refused to celebrate goals he scored during a Spanish League match. He then told the press he was sad and that the club knew why. He recently added more incendiary comments against his former team when he said that "I won't celebrate if I score against United [during the Champions league match in February]. I still speak with Ferguson. I miss him a lot, and I miss Manchester United."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated having an interest in Ronaldo, but it is widely believed that he is set to retire. His rumored replacement is current Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho who is slated to leave Madrid after a poor start to the 2012-13 season and some locker room discontent. Last week, he benched Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas and even stated that the keeper was not in the best form. This drew a great deal of controversy from Madrid fans and could be Mourinho's last straw. If he leaves, then Ronaldo's biggest locker room ally will be gone and his desire to remain with the club could essentially be over.