Manchester United have reportedly started talks over signing Real Madrid pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and Barcelona star Neymar.
According to The Times, the club have opted to change their approach after crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage this season.
Having taken their time to rebuild the squad after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the hierarchy has decided that they will target a number of elite players next summer in order to make them competitive both at home and in Europe.
That search has taken them to Ronaldo, Bale and Neymar, and it is claimed by the Times that the Red Devils are working on deals to sign all three if possible.
However, the biggest stumbling block according to the report is that the trio may not be keen on a switch to England and have to deal with the demands of the Premier League.
All three individuals understand that they are more likely to win trophies and individual accolades in Spain where the two clubs are dominant for the most part, and a move to England would see them in a more competitive environment that would risk their chances of achieving their ambitions.
Nevertheless, it remains a highly ambitious strategy from United as they look to find a way to ease the pressure that is building at Old Trafford, with coach Louis van Gaal failing to convince this season and in turn he has attracted a significant amount of criticism.
The arrivals of Ronaldo, Bale or Neymar, if any, would be a major coup for the club, and it would certainly bring back an element of excitement to the squad.