A new club has reportedly joined the race to sign free agent Cristiano Ronaldo amid serious interest from a Saudi Arabian side.
Following a disappointing showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo remains a wanted man in the Middle East despite his underwhelming performances in Qatar.
Read: European club chief reveals transfer talks with Ronaldo
Saudi club Al Nassr has been credited with a serious interest in the player, having already submitted a mammoth bid for his services.
Now, according to Spanish outlet AS, Qatari giants Al-Sadd, who were formerly managed by current FC Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, have now entered the race for the 37-year-old's signature.
The club is said to be closely monitoring the situation around the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, but it is understood that they have not yet submitted formal proposal to the veteran striker's entourage.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr, who have been deemed the current favourites to land Ronaldo's signature, have reportedly freed up their No. 7 shirt in case the Portugal international agrees to join them.
The former holder of the jersey, Jaloliddin Masharipov, has switched to the No. 77 jersey instead.
Manager of the Riyadh outfit Rudi Garcia has already insisted he would be honoured to coach Ronaldo, according to the Daily Express.
Read: 'Ronaldo is the big flop of the 2022 World Cup'
Speaking to the media during the World Cup, the Spaniard said: "The last images are Cristiano's tears going to the dressing room [after Portugal's defeat to Morocco at the World Cup]. It was an exciting moment, very strong, perhaps it was his last game in a World Cup, and on the other hand there was the emotion of the Moroccans.
"I commented on the match for TF1. On December 18, in the final, I will remember these quarter-finals because of the emotions experienced, those of Morocco and those of Cristiano.
"I can't say anything about Cristiano because otherwise it would immediately appear in the headlines: 'García: about Ronaldo'.
"What I see is that it has been a soap opera and it has been a very important promotion for Al Nassr."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: LIONEL MESSI VERSUS RONALDO