Cristiano Ronaldo could yet make a headline appearance at the Club World Cup, while Real Madrid are closing on the signing of Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

Botafogo’s manager didn’t deny the bombshell reports — and his comments about Ronaldo are raising eyebrows around the world.

One team that did not qualify was Al Nassr, which means Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains a global sporting icon, will not be featuring. The Portuguese star’s absence was a blow to the marketing men, who would have liked nothing better than to hype up a potential final meeting between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,