Manchester United will jet off for their pre-season tour without striker Cristiano Ronaldo, 90min understands.
The 37-year-old is yet to return for pre-season, with United giving Ronaldo time off for 'personal reasons', and he has been granted extended leave to keep him out of the start of the trip to Bangkok on Friday.
At the same time, Ronaldo has asked to leave Old Trafford this summer if a suitable bid is received, with Chelsea expected to firm up their interest in the Portugal international in the coming weeks.
A United spokesperson said (via Manchester Evening News): "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United party scheduled to depart for our pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday. He has been granted additional time off to deal with a family issue.
"Cristiano remains under contract with Manchester United and he is not for sale."
Ronaldo is known to be concerned about United's ability to compete for major honours next season. They failed to qualify for the Champions League and recorded their lowest points total in the Premier League era last year, ending up 35 points behind title winners Manchester City.
Despite United's public stance, the understanding is that the Red Devils are prepared to offload Ronaldo for the right price, believed to be around the £15m mark.
New Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is looking to make a statement following his takeover of the club and signing a superstar name like Ronaldo has piqued his interest.
Source : 90min