'We're going to have to try' - Cristiano Ronaldo emerges as shock target as club chief talks up move for Al-Nassr superstar

Paulista A1 side Portuguesa are plotting ambitious moves to lure top European names to join the club. After trying to sign Radamel Falcao and Nani, the Brazilian side are now preparing an ambitious move to land Portugal icon and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to CNN, Portuguesa president Alex Bourgeois said: "Reinforcement and rescue the pride of the Portuguese community here in Brazil, yes, that was exactly it (the attempt to sign Nani). We are behind and we will try for 2026, for the 2026 Paulistão, to bring in a great Portuguese.

"He's the greatest Portuguese of all time, he's the greatest personality in the world today. It would be great, but I can imagine how many people don't offer anything related to Portugal to Cristiano Ronaldo, right? But it's obvious that he's a great Portuguese, and obviously, at some point, we're going to have to try to talk."

He added: "What we need, which is part of our strategic plan, is to create a bridge between Brazil and Portugal through Portuguesa, for Portuguesa to be this channel. We are already making some progress in this direction. We believe that this will bring many people from this community of 25 million closer to us. There are many things in Portugal, besides Portuguese football, for which Brazilians go there, whether it be for wine, food, religion, beaches, etc. So, what we want is to bring all of this to the closest place here in Brazil to create this bridge."

The 40-year-old attacker is in the final few months of his Al-Nassr contract and is free to negotiate a pre-contract. However, reports have emerged that Ronaldo might pen a new deal with the Saudi giants that will see him earn €183 million (£154m/$188m) annually, which will establish his position as the highest-paid footballer in the world.

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star has been left out of Al-Nassr's travelling squad to Iran as the club take on Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League. Ronaldo, thus, will be back in action on March 7 when his club take on Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.