It's believed Cristiano Ronaldo is after a summer transfer... haven't we been here before?
The veteran forward, 37, wants to leave Manchester United to play Champions League football. There are limited transfer options available for him and new manager Erik ten Hag is hoping to keep him on their books for the new Premier League campaign.
Ten Hag would be forgiven for feeling doubtful about the situation, but history tells us Ronaldo doesn't always get his wish. He's seen two previous transfer requests rejected - in 2008 and 2017 - and United fans should be confident about him fulfilling his contract.
Ronaldo first wanted to leave United in 2008. At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were Premier League and Champions League holders and their Portuguese talisman was set to receive the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career.
Real Madrid were after Ronaldo's signature, but Ferguson said no. He was determined to resist and the situation turned ugly. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, who was a honorary member of Real, even got involved - suggesting there was "too much modern slavery" in sport.
That left Ronaldo to add: "I agree with what he [Blatter] said. It's true. I agree with what the president of FIFA said. I know what I want and what I would like. We have to see what happens. I do not know where I will begin next season."
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At that point, Ronaldo's position seemed untenable. Yet Ferguson didn't see it that way. He got tough with the player behind-the-scenes and told him he wasn't going anywhere. In the press, the legendary manager defended Ronaldo and criticised Real.
Ferguson gave Ronaldo his wish 12 months later when Real offered a world-record £80million. Nine years after the "slave" comments, the shoe was on the other foot. Ronaldo, still at Real, reportedly wanted to secure an emotional return to Old Trafford.
Like United in 2008, Real were the dominant force in European football. They were Spanish and European champions and didn't want to let Ronaldo go with a third consecutive Champions League crown on the horizon. President Florentino Perez rejected his request.
"Ronaldo is a Madrid player, we’re delighted with him... I think the best thing for him and Madrid is for him to stay: we’ll see what happens," said Perez. "Right now, Cristiano is a Real Madrid player and something very strange would have to happen for him not to be, and I am not [even] contemplating that."
Ronaldo got his move 12 months later - joining Juventus instead of United - after Perez followed Ferguson's methods. He brushed off speculation and complement the player in the press, yet firmly told him he was going nowhere behind-the-scenes.
Quite simply, Ten Hag must follow suit if he wants to keep Ronaldo. With the forward turning 38 in February, this season could be his last dance and a good chance for United to end their trophy drought. The Dutchman can't lose the first big test of his United reign.
