Manchester United eye Carlo Ancelotti to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back; Marco Verratti to United; Jose Mourinho refuses to rule out Diego Costa Atletico return

TRANSFER TALK: A look at some of today's most intriguring tittle-tattle from across the printed media landscape

Cristiano Ronaldo embraces Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid's win over Barcelona back in October 2014 (Getty Images)

Manchester United are considering replacing Louis van Gaal with Carlo Ancelotti in the summer to tempt Cristiano Ronaldo into rejoining the club, according to reports.

The Daily Star have reported that Ancelotti could hold the key to Ronaldo joining United again. The pair enjoyed a good relationship when the Italian Ancelotti was Real Madrid manager, winning the Champions League in 2013.

The Portuguese winger had said of Ancelotti: "Mr. Ancelotti was an unbelievable surprise.

"In the beginning I though he was more a tough person, more - kind of arrogant, and it was the opposite.

"He's like a big bear, I can say. He's a cute guy, such a sensitive person. He spoke with us every day. Not just with me but with all the players. He had fun with us.

"He's an unbelievable person. I just wish every player could have an opportunity to work with him because he's a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach and I miss him a lot because we won many trophies together.

"And I wish to work with him one day again. But now I'm good. I have a new coach and I'm happy too, but it's great I have good memories."

United have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti. Mundo Deportivo have reported that the 23-year-old could be available this summer should the French champions sign Juventus, and former United, midfielder Paul Pogba.

Premier League leaders Leicester City could make a £2m bid for AC Milan midfielder Nigel De Jong. The Dutch international previously played for Manchester City in England's top tier, winning the Premier League title with the club in 2012.

Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out Diego Costa returning to Atletico Madrid, but maintains the striker is happy at Chelsea.

Costa has scored four times this season and just seven goals since January, when his prolific start to life at Chelsea following his £32million move from Atletico came to a halt.

The 27-year-old was hindered by suspensions and a niggling hamstring injury, while he admitted reporting for pre-season training last summer carrying additional weight.

The Brazil-born Spain striker has taken time to show any menace and often appears too pre-occupied antagonising defenders to focus his energies on scoring goals.

He has apologised for his petulant bib throw in the direction of Mourinho when an unused substitute at Tottenham and was restored to the starting line-up at Porto, after which he spoke of a possibility of returning to the Vicente Calderon Stadium as rumours continue he has not settled in London.

"He didn't say that. He said in football you never know," Mourinho said.

"Felipe Luis was one example. He could also say Fernando Torres, another example.

"Atletico is a great club. Madrid is a great city. La Liga is a great league.

"So why can't a player at 27 years old think that in football it's possible to be back? I don't see that as a problem."