Tuttosport: Cristiano one step closer to joining Juventus

In Italy they are starting to believe it's only a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo joins Juventus. 'Tuttosport' are confident, based on their front page, that Cristiano is 'one step closer' to joining Juventus according to sources at the Turin-based club. Juventus have tempted the Portuguese striker with a three year deal where he'll earn €30m per season, exactly what he was asking for at Real Madrid. The only thing in the balance - and it's quite an important part - is whether Madrid accept the €100m offer on the table or not.

According to sources in Italy the negotiations started a month ago. Juventus found out about Cristiano's problems with Spain's tax office and how he felt abandoned by Real Madrid during his court case. He feels persecuted by Spain. And then Cristiano's entourage let Juventus know about the fall out surrounding his demand for a new contract. There were meetings and it was Cristiano who asked for time to consider his future. Once Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup, he had made up his mind and decided a move to Juventus would be good for him.

The key to the deal will be in how the payment is structured. Juventus want to pay it across various instalments while Real Madrid want the full sum up front so they can make two major signings themselves. All parties are hopeful that an agreement can be reached this week and, in turn, finalise the biggest transfer deal of the summer so far.