A new boss for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr close in on Stefano Pioli after ex-AC Milan manager's move to Al-Ittihad breaks down

At the start of the summer transfer window, Pioli appeared set to take charge of Al-Ittihad after being dismissed by AC Milan. The deal, which was all but finalised, included a lucrative contract reportedly worth €10 million (£8.43m/$11m) per year, along with performance bonuses. However, as negotiations progressed, the move unexpectedly collapsed, which has now allowed Al-Nassr to swoop in, according to Gazzetta.

Pioli has emerged as the top candidate to replace Luis Castro, edging out other possible candidates including Sergio Conceicao. Castro's position at Al-Nassr is reportedly under threat due to mixed results at the start of the season. The Knights of Najd lost the Saudi Super Cup final to fierce rivals A-Hilal by a 4-1 margin and dropped points against Al-Raed in their Saudi Pro League campaign opener, which has put Castro in a spot of bother.

Should Pioli leave Italy to take up the managerial role at Al-Nassr, it would have significant financial implications for AC Milan. The Italian coach is still contracted to Milan until 2025, with an annual salary of €4m (£3.37m/$4.42m), and the Rossoneri have to bear his wages if he continues to be a free agent. However, if he signs with Al-Nassr, it would lighten Milan's financial load, freeing up funds for the club to reinvest in other areas of the squad.

Al-Nassr return to action against Al-Ahli on Friday after the international break. The fixture will be an acid test for Castro as the manager might be relieved from his duties if Ronaldo and Co fail to keep winning.