There has been plenty of speculation around Cristiano Ronaldo's future this summer. The Portuguese wants to leave Manchester United and a number of clubs have been linked with signing him.
However, his age and his wage demands have put many clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich, off signing him on a permanent deal. United are thought to be open to allowing him to leave, despite new boss Erik ten Hag saying he was a part of his plans for the new season at Old Trafford.
When ten Hag explained Ronaldo's absence from the team's pre-season tour, he said: "He is not with us, and it is due to personal reasons. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That’s it and I’m looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is in our plans and we want to get success together."
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Ronaldo is understood to be looking for a way out of Old Trafford due to the club's slow movement in the transfer market. not only that, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League triggered a 25% reduction in his salary.
His agent Jorge Mendes met with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly to offer him to the west London club, but the Blues have refused to make any move for him. Arsenal have also been linked with a move, although that is mainly down to celebrity fan Piers Morgan who said it was "time" for the Portuguese to join the Gunners.
However, a new option has arisen for Ronaldo. According to our friends at the Mirror, United are ready to allow the multiple Ballon d'Or winner leave on loan, at the same time as extending his contract at Old Trafford.
Roma and Atletico Madrid are thought to be interested in striking a loan deal for the 38-year-old for the season, with Ronaldo then returning for what United hope to be a final year in the Champions League next season - should they qualify.
According to the Mirror the proposal has taken Ronaldo and Mendes by surprise, but has not yet been rejected. Could any club in the Premier League make a loan move for him? Chelsea have already outlined their stance and of the other Champions League qualifiers only Tottenham would stand a chance, with United unlikely to send him to rivals Manchester City or Liverpool and Spurs are unlikely to splash the cash given they have Harry Kane up front.
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