Manchester United have already responded angrily to Cristiano Ronaldo's reported desire to quit Old Trafford this summer - telling him 'no chance'.
The Portuguese superstar has on a number of occasions been linked with a shock exit from the club over the past few months - less than a year after he made an emotional return from Juventus.
The forward was understood to be hugely disappointed with the side's failure to qualify for the Champions League last term - whilst their perceived lack of transfer business was a huge source of frustration for the 37-year-old. Now, he has seemingly signalled the biggest desire to leave so far.
According to The Times, he has told the club that he would like to be allowed to leave should a suitable offer be lodged for his services. He is said to be confident of having three or four years left at the top level and challenging for trophies - United having not lifted a piece of silverware since 2017.
It of course remains to be seen whether a deal for the striker would be possible with a number of clubs having already been linked with a move for his services. Former club Juventus have already been linked, whilst agent Jorge Mendes also held a meeting with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and the forward was mentioned.
Following that meeting, the Red Devils took a forthright stance regarding a potential exit. As per an Old Trafford source, the club were left furious with reports over Mendes' meeting with Boehly and that Ronaldo would be remaining with the club for the foreseeable future.
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"Cristiano is not for sale," a source told Mirror Football. "We want - and fully expect - him to be with us next season."
That is a stance that his current teammates are also taking as new boss Erik ten Hag prepares to oversee his first season at Old Trafford since a switch from Ajax. Portuguese compatriot Bruno Fernandes has claimed that he does not expect the Red Devils would be willing to cash-in on the 24-goal forward following a private chat during the off-season.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: "I spoke to him a few weeks ago - we're both on vacation, no one bothers friends on vacation - I hope to meet him on the fourth to train there [at Manchester United], I'm not expecting more than that.
"There is nothing more than that, but each one takes care of their future. I don't believe that the club is willing to lose a player of the value of Cristiano."
Ronaldo of course returned to Man Utd last summer, the Red Devils paying an initial £12.9m plus a further £6.9m in add-ons. He penned a two-year deal at Old Trafford and it remains quite to be seen how much it would take for the club’s hierarchy to change their minds over his future and accept a sale.
