It's believed Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester for Madrid... but haven't we seen this transfer saga before?
In the summer of 2008, the Portuguese superstar, then 23, pushed for a move from Manchester United to Real Madrid. He eventually got his wish, joining the Spanish giants 12 months later and becoming their all-time record scorer with 450 goals in just 438 games.
Fast forward 14 years and Ronaldo, now 37, is reportedly looking to join the other Madrid club - Atletico Madrid - and keep his hopes of winning a sixth European Cup alive. United will be hoping Tuesday's showdown talks with the veteran go as they plan.
When Ronaldo first went to Madrid, it was arguably the best version of the iconic footballer. He'd just inspired United to a Premier League and Champions League double - scoring 42 goals in all competitions - and would win his first Ballon d'Or a few months later.
Ronaldo had conquered English football and had his eyes on Spain, but Sir Alex Ferguson was desperate to keep him. The legendary manager knew he'd assembled perhaps his greatest ever team and didn't want to see it fall apart after just two successful seasons.
After all, it's important to remember just how good United were between 2007 and 2011. They won four Premier League titles in five seasons and would have won three European Cups if it wasn't for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side thwarting them in 2009 and 2011.
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As such, Ferguson rejected Ronaldo's request... and the situation turned a bit ugly. FIFA president Sepp Blatter even got involved and urged the Red Devils to sanction the transfer, controversially suggesting there was "too much modern slavery" in football.
Blatter's comments were not well received in Manchester. It's important to note the head of global football's governing body was an honorary member of Real and a close friend of their president at the time, Ramon Calderon. Blatter's opinion felt inappropriate.
Yet it encouraged Ronaldo to speak out. "I agree with what he [Blatter] said," said Ronaldo. "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."
The pressure was growing on Ferguson, yet he was determined not to give in. He was annoyed by Calderon discussing Ronaldo's future in public. "It's the desire of the player to join us, but, of course, Manchester shouldn't be angry and they should open up their stance," said Calderon. "We can't be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid."
Responding to Calderon's comments, Ferguson bullishly said: "You get used to this, Madrid's behaviour on these things... They've no moral issues at all. They think that they can ride roughshod over everyone, but they won't with us."
Ronaldo eventually settled his future with United following showdown talks. "I'll be playing with my heart and soul and I will fight and honour the shirt with the same desire and dedication as I always have," Ronaldo told The Guardian at the beginning of August 2008.
"My coach [Ferguson] was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago. It was a very honest conversation between two people that respect each other and that I'm sure share a mutual affection and friendship. Sir Alex listened to me, I listened to him and we established that the best for both sides would be for me to continue at Old Trafford."
Ronaldo went on to enjoy another successful season at Old Trafford, scoring 26 goals to win the Premier League, League Cup, Community Shield and Club World Cup. United also reached another Champions League final, losing 2-0 to Barcelona in Rome.
At that point, Ferguson granted Ronaldo his wish. "I knew full well that if they produced the £80million, he would have to go," the manager later wrote in his autobiography. "We could not block his fervent wish to return to Iberia and wear the famous white shirt."
Weirdly, today's situation is similar. It was around this time of the summer when showdown talks were held in 2008 - and it's likely a resolution will be found at the start of August.
Ronaldo also reportedly wants to move to the same city, albeit a different club, and United are stubbornly saying no. But there is one big difference - Ferguson's side were the champions of Europe 14 years ago. Today, they're not even the best club in Manchester.
All Erik ten Hag has to offer is Europa League football and perhaps a cup winners' medal. Compared to Atletico, who will be battling for the biggest trophies in Europe, United's allure is minimal. Everyone associated with Old Trafford should be dreading these talks.
