It looks as though Manchester United will be starting the new season without Cristiano Ronaldo - because their Portuguese star needs an operation on his injured ankle.
If reports that the 23-year-old will undergo surgery next week to cure a long-standing ankle problem are correct, Ronaldo looks sure to miss the first few weeks of the new season.
He has been subject of a prolonged tug-of-war, at least in the media, between Manchester United and Real Madrid, who are reportedly willing to pay a world record transfer fee to take him to the Bernabeu.
The Spanish champions have been publicly courting the winger, who scored 42 goals for United last season, despite United's insistence that he is not for sale.
However, since Portugal's involvement in Euro 2008 ended, the intensity of Real's unsettling campaign appears to have lessened, suggesting that Ronaldo will be staying at Old Trafford, as United have said he would all along.
The English and European champions seem more concerned with the player's fitness than any transfer rumours, especially with reports now suggesting he will go under the knife to clear up his ankle injury once and for all.
Surgery is expected next week, and would force Ronaldo to miss United's pre-season preparations - and to go through a six-week rehabilitation period.
On Thursday, United's medical staff met Ronaldo and representatives from the Portugal national side to discuss the player's injury.
The problem affected Ronaldo's performances during Euro 2008.
A statement from his club said: "Manchester United's medical staff met with the medical team from the Portuguese FA and Cristiano Ronaldo in Lisbon regarding the ongoing treatment of his injured right ankle.
"As a result, further specialist advice is being sought and an announcement will be made on any action in due course."
A United source has also described a mooted £70million transfer of Ronaldo to Real Madrid as "utter nonsense and totally laughable."
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