Premier League Transfer Rumors: Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, De Bruyne

The arms race that is the English Premier League transfer window is beginning to heat up. Manchester United, Manchester City and others have already spent big bucks on key players to try to chase down defending champion Chelsea, but there are persistent rumors that the top clubs are looking to add more. With the new Sky TV deal kicking in the next few years, transfer fees are expected to skyrocket. While this may lead to damaging affects down the road, it creates an interesting rumor mill of player movement. The new season is just two weeks away and teams are looking to make finishing touches to their rosters. Is Cristiano Ronaldo on the move back to Old Trafford? Would Zlatan Ibrahimovic really consider a move to the Premier League? The transfer window closes August 31. Click through to see who else is rumored to be on the move to the Premier League. (Getty)

Ronaldo Set For Shock Return to Old Trafford?

Manchester Evening News first reported that Manchester United were lining up a bid for Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, sending off a shockwave of response. The move, which would likely shatter the world record transfer fee of $130 million that Gareth Bale set in 2013, would instantly make Manchester United the favorites for the Premier League title. The latest reports have Manchester United pursuing a deal, but have yet to agree on a fee with Real Madrid. Per league rules, every player in La Liga must have a release clause in their contract. Ronaldo's? A cool $1.5 billion. Ronaldo spent six years in Manchester, scoring 84 goals in 196 matches. His career took off following the move to Madrid, though. He's scored a remarkable 225 goals in 200 games. (Getty)

Young Defender Set to Complete Chelsea Move

In a deal that is nearly finalized, Chelsea have reportedly agreed to terms with 21-year-old defender Abdul Baba Rahman from Augsburg for about $19 million. It's been a quiet window for the defending Premier League Champions; they've only signed Asmir Begovic from Stoke and youngster Danilo Pantic so far. But that appears to change as manager Jose Mourinho looks for a replacement for Filipe Luis, who is on his way back to Atletico Madrid. Augsburg recently said that they don't need to cash in on their top players, but that appears to have changed. Augsburg finished fifth in the Bundesliga last year, the best placement in the club's history. (Getty)

Pedro to Manchester United Move Back On

Premier League teams have chased Pedro for most of the summer, only to be told that he is not for sale. That appeared to be the end of the discussion before Pedro reportedly told Barcelona he wants to leave the club. Manchester United have emerged as the favorites and will have an opportunity to speak with the forward in the coming days. Despite dishing out hundreds of millions of dollars in the last 18 months, Manchester United is still looking for depth in the attacking positions. (Getty)

Stones May Jump Ship to Stamford Bridge

With one defender just about signed, Chelsea now turns their attention to signing a central defender to replace John Terry, 34, in the long term. Everton's John Stones has been with the club since January 2013, when he moved from Barnsley for about $5 million. Stones, 21, has suffered injuries in both his seasons at the Mercyside club, but is highly-rated and has been linked with a big-money move to the champions. Chelsea reporedly bid $31 million for Stones, but had that rejected. (Getty)

Will Manchester City Land De Bruyne

Another summer-long transfer saga involves Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and a possible move to big-spending Manchester City. De Bruyne had a disappointing spell at Chelsea and may on the way back to the Premier League. Manchester City are prepared to spend up to $95 million on the player, but have been thrwared by Wolfsburg. De Bruyne had 21 assists in 2014-2015, setting a new Bundesliga record. (Getty)

Ibrahimovic Open to Premier League Move

One of the more colorful figures in the game today, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is never at a loss for words. With Manchester United rumored to be after the Swedish forward, Ibrahimovic has stated he would be eager to work for United boss Louis van Gaal and would love to clash with him. Ibrahimovic, 33, has played for seven teams in his career. Ibrahimovic has also said that he wouldn't mind making a move to Major League Soccer at some point in his career. (Getty)

Lacazette Not For Sale Claims Lyon Boss

French striker Alexandre Lacazette is a hot target in the transfer window, with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United on the chase. Lacazette went from annonymous to the next big thing after firing 27 league goals in 31 games for Lyon. Though many would like to add Lacazette to their ranks, Lyon manager Hubert Fournier said that he expects to see Lacazette on the field for the French side this season, and the backroom staff is also claiming that they have not received bids for the player and don't intend to sell him. (Getty)