Manchester United reportedly left it too late with Cristiano Ronaldo approach

Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid days appear numbered.

Nine years on from his arrival at the Bernanbeu, it seems the Portugal captain is edging ever closer to a move to Juventus, with some reports claiming it could be announced before the end of the weekend. This, of course, isn't the first time Ronaldo's been linked with a move away from Real. Reports have regularly claimed he's been unhappy in Spain, many suggesting a return to Manchester United may be a possibility. Such speculation has never amounted to anything (other than an improved contract for Ronaldo). Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, but any lingering hopes he may one day go back appear to be on the brink of being killed off once and for all. This isn't to say, however, that United haven't explored the possibility of a move for their former number seven... A report by Miguel Delaney in The Independent claims United were interested in a move for Ronaldo. According to their sources, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's desire to bring in a marquee signing this summer saw them inquire as to whether such a move may be feasible. They were swiftly told that significant progress had been made regarding Ronaldo's move to Turin, seemingly enough for United to withdraw their interest. With Ronaldo's move to Juve thought to be close, talk has already turned to who Real will look to replace him with. In the last week they've released two separate official statements denying they had bid for Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, although this hasn't stopped the pair from being linked with a move to the Spanish capital. Ronaldo is currently believed to be on holiday after starring for Portugal at the World Cup. Despite a hat-trick in their opening game against Spain and another in their second home against Morocco, he was unable to help the European champions past Uruguay in the last 16 stage.