When Cristiano Ronaldo recently signalled his intentions to leave Manchester United, he probably did not think it would be so difficult to source an escape route.
However, for all of his talent, outstanding pedigree and the glitz and glamour that is associated with his iconic status in world football, he is struggling to find a club that is prepared to take him in and give him the luxury of Champions league football that he so desperately craves. Chelsea, who looked like the strongest bet to secure his signature, have shelved their interest, with head coach Thomas Tuchel dismissing the idea of bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
Bayern Munich have also made it clear that they are not planning on adding the 37-year-old to Julian Nagelsmann's squad this summer. They, like Chelsea, quickly emerged as one of the favourites to be in with a shot of signing the United star, but they have made it clear, not for the first time, that they won't be sending a fax through to Old Trafford in an attempt to lure him to Germany.
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Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: "I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career. But once again: That was and is not a topic for us."
Suddenly, Ronaldo's options appear limited. For a player that wants Champions League football and expects to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, options are running out. Chelsea's need for a striker, following their decision to let Romelu Lukaku return to Inter Milan on loan, and Bayern's need for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski meant both clubs seemed like the most logical potential destinations for Ronaldo to continue his love affair with Europe's premier club competition.
But with those two out of the running, who could now be considered a genuine contender to sign him? Any club would have to meet specific criteria to make themselves appealing to Ronaldo, and that does not even include the small element of covering his eye-watering salary demands. A transfer fee, given his age and contract status, on the other hand, would not be too problematic for a plethora of big-name clubs.
Therefore, it is hard to see Ronaldo leaving United this summer, certainly for a club that can give him what he wants. Talk of a move to Saudi Arabia, which Ronaldo is understood not to be keen on, is not surprising given the financial clout clubs from that area of the world have nowadays. But the United striker still believes he can perform at the top end of European football - and you can't blame him.
Despite turning 38 next January, Ronaldo, as proven by his tally of 24 goals last season, remains one of the most lethal marksmen in the world. He is an outstanding, extraordinary talent and will not give up chasing the top prizes until his body says otherwise. He remains just as determined to win silverware as he did when he joined United for the first time almost 20 years ago.
It is why staying at United might be Ronaldo's only option this summer. Chelsea and Bayern are two of the most illustrious clubs in the world, capable of attracting the biggest names, but even they have turned their noses up at the opportunity to bring in one of the greatest players of all time. His wage demands would not have been a problem for either club, they just consider the Portuguese ace as a player that does not tie in with their respective plans.
His options are now rapidly running out, as it is hard to predict who would be capable of meeting his demands, both financially and in terms of what he measures as being acceptable on the pitch. He wants to play in the Champions League and that immediately reduces his level of options for a variety of reasons.
Chelsea and Bayern shelving their interest means that Erik ten Hag may now get his wish of working with Ronaldo and calling on him to help drive United back into the Champions League for 2023/24. If he stays at United, scores the goals that fire them back into the Champions League and helps Ten Hag in bringing the good times back to M16, his legendary status will only grow even greater.
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