It doesn’t matter if Mark Hughes isn’t interested in bringing the original Ronaldo to Manchester City, because the rumors just won’t go away. The Daily Mirror says the pudgy one is getting in playing shape again and that he is focused on his recovery in order to explore interest from Manchester City.

The chances of City going for a striker in January would seem to be pretty high. Despite having scored the second-most goals in the Premier League (26) behind Chelsea (32), 18 have come from the quartet of Robinho, Stephen Ireland (a midfielder), Shaun Wright-Phillips (right winger), and Elano (not playing). Hughes can’t overrely on Robinho or wait around all season for Jo to start scoring, and while Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge have loads of potential, they’re still developing.

Ronaldo would be available for free, but he would undoubtedly command a hefty salary. If it was even 2006 or early 2007 Ronaldo, it’d be a no-brainer, but his injury and fitness history make him a big question mark right now.

Either way, his name would be a big draw. But more importantly, if he’s in playing shape, I’m sure he can still score a few, which is something City could use (that and some defense).

Could City benefit from a move for Ronaldo, or is he too much of a risk now?