Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo are to come to an arrangement today over his future at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese legend returned to Manchester last summer and was the club's top scorer in his first campaign back – but this season has been difficult. Ronaldo wanted to leave the club after they failed to qualify for the Champions League but was forced to stay.
Now, he's failed to break into the first team, ending up on the bench for huge games. At the weekend, he was dropped from the squad, following his controversial decision to leave before the final whistle during the win against Tottenham.
Now, the Mirror claims that Ronaldo's immediate future will be decided today. It is possible that CR7 could depart in January, too, with the Mail saying that the player could leave for free if he doesn't accept a reduced role in the squad.
Chelsea are ready to sign Ronaldo, according to multiple reports.
Blues owner Todd Boehly was said to be interested in Ronaldo back in the summer but was rebuffed, as United did not want to sell. Erik ten Hag has insisted that he is still a fan of Ronaldo, however, and could integrate him into his plans.
"It's obvious. He can score a goal," Ten Hag said. "He's valuable to us. We need him, that's clear. And I think you see it also in this game; he can finish. That's quite obvious. I think I have said enough about the situation. Let's focus on this game. It was a good game for my team. I have to really compliment my team."
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has apologised for leaving Old Trafford early last week.
"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game," the 37-year-old wrote. "Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we'll be together again."
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Speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United future has intensified after he refused to come on against Tottenham in midweek, with Chelsea among the clubs linked with a January move.
However, Erik ten Hag wants the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to see out his contract at Old Trafford. It has also emerged that Ronaldo didn't receive a single vote for this year's Ballon d'Or, as he finished outside the top three for the first time since 2005.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly prepared to fight it out with Chelsea and PSG to sign Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar – and have been linked with a mega-money move for Atletico Madrid and Portugal forward Joao Felix.
