Ronaldo 'one of four stars discussed' during Jorge Mendes and Barcelona talks

Jorge Mendes' attempts to find a new home for Cristiano Ronaldo are ramping up after the attacker was reportedly at the centre of his discussions with Barcelona.

Ronaldo has reportedly submitted a transfer request to Manchester United, in an attempt to force through an exit from Old Trafford. The superstar has grown frustrated with the Red Devils' stumbling activity in the transfer market, with Erik ten Hag still yet to make his first signing as manager.

He is also keen to play in the Champions League, with United having missed out on qualifying for that competition for the upcoming campaign. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are thought to be the leading suitors for the 37-year-old, though Barcelona have also now emerged as an option.

Ronaldo's agent Mendes has been stepping up his efforts to facilitate a deal by holding a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. According to AS, Ronaldo is one of four names being discussed by the duo in their meetings.

Ruben Neves, Rafa Leao and Bernardo Silva are the other three players who are involved in the talks. But it is Ronaldo who is at the centre of their conversation, with Mendes and Laporta said to be discussing the possibilities that could lead to Ronaldo moving to the Nou Camp.

It is said that Laporta is keen to bring Ronaldo to Barcelona in an attempt to strike a blow at Bayern, who are refusing to negotiate over the sale of Robert Lewandowski. Ronaldo's uncertain future is said to have 'monopolised' almost the entire meeting.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Which club should Cristiano Ronaldo join if he leaves Manchester United? Comment below.

They did find time to talk about the potential signings of Silva, Neves and Leao, with Laporta considering moves for all three. His top target of the trio is said to be Silva, though his £86m release clause presents a problem to Barca, who are still struggling financially.

Barca hope that the talk of a move for Ronaldo can help to bring Bayern to the negotiating table for Lewandowski, who remains their 'primary objective'. This is not the first time that the Catalan giants have been linked with a sensational move for Ronaldo.

The report states that Laporta 'tested the possibility' of signing Ronaldo last summer, but financial problems prevented such a deal coming to fruition. Though United have 'refused' to contemplate a sale, that position could still change with just under two months of the transfer window to go.

A move to Barcelona would be a stunning one for Ronaldo to make, give his legendary status at their fierce rivals Real Madrid. He became an icon at the Bernabeu during his nine years at the club, winning La Liga twice and the Champions League four times.

It is a legacy that would likely be tarnished if he decided to join Xavi's revolution of Barca. The Spaniard was able to rescue their season last year, leading them to second place in La Liga and securing a place in the Champions League in the process.