Cristiano Ronaldo transfer latest: What happened at Man Utd training & will he return on Wednesday?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer saga took another twist on Tuesday when he returned to Manchester United’s training base for the first time this summer.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not involved in the club’s tour to Thailand and Australia earlier this month, with ‘family issues’ initially cited as the reason he missed returning to pre-season training.

Over the past month, Ronaldo has been linked with several top European sides, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon.

But his return to the club means a solution to this long-running rumour mill may be drawing nearer, and we’ve rounded up all the information you need to know…

What happened on Tuesday?

Ronaldo returned to Carrington on Tuesday for his first day of pre-season and conducted meetings with United, ManchesterWorld understands.

It’s been subsequently reported by the Athletic that these meetings involved Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, who was speaking to United chiefs Richard Arnold and John Murtough.

They add Ronaldo did not train with the group and completed solitary fitness tests, as all returning players are required to do, while the No.7 spoke in person with Erik ten Hag for the first time.

As per the Sun, Ronaldo explained to United on Monday that he still wishes to leave the club this summer.

According to Spanish outlet El Partidazo de COPE, during Tuesday’s meeting Mendes encouraged United to loan the attacker out for the upcoming season and in return the 37-year-old would extend his contract at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson, who played a huge role in the former Real Madrid star returning to the Red Devils last summer, was at Carrington on Tuesday.

However, the Manchester Evening News reported this was a coincidence, with Ferguson meeting former chief executive David Gill, something which had been arranged months prior.

Is Ronaldo training on Wednesday?

United would not comment on whether Ronaldo will be back at Carrington on Wednesday, but the squad are set to play Wrexham in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly in the afternoon.

What are the latest rumours?

In recent days, Atletico were the club most strongly linked with the player, but their president Enrique Cerezo has all but ruled out a move.

“It’s practically impossible for him to come to Atletico Madrid,” Cerezo told El Partidazo de COPE.

In addition, the Telegraph reported that interest has ‘cooled’ from the Spanish side, while it’s looking more and more likely Ronaldo will remain at United this season.

Bayern also publicly distanced themselves from a move this week when director Oliver Kahn told BILD: ““We discussed Cristiano Ronaldo internally - I consider him one of greatest footballers ever.

“Then we came to the conclusion that, despite our appreciation for Cristiano, he would not fit into our philosophy in the current situation.”

However, Atletico and Bayern remain the favourites with the bookmakers in terms of clubs who could still sign the Portugal captain.

Is Ronaldo for sale?

United insist the player is not for sale, a stance they have maintained all summer.