Cristiano Ronaldo is willing to take a considerable pay cut to fulfill his wish to represent a Champions League challenger once more, according to the Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

Manchester United, who will compete in the Europa League next season, are reportedly adamant that Ronaldo isn’t for sale this summer despite the attacker’s request to leave Old Trafford if a suitable bid is tabled for his services.

Ronaldo apparently missed his return to training Monday due to “family reasons.”

It’s understood the 37-year-old’s preferred destinations include Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. However, potential suitors are reportedly wary of taking on his huge wage demands – some sources claim his United salary could be as much as £700,000 per week – and how his presence may dictate a radical change to the team’s playing style.

So, to overcome these potential blockades, Ronaldo is prepared to significantly lower his contract expectations.

But Ronaldo’s story at United isn’t necessarily over. The Portuguese superstar still has a year left on his contract and has yet to have his first face-to-face meeting with new manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo made his celebrated return to United last summer following a move from Juventus that could rise to €23 million after add-ons. He scored 24 goals in all competitions last season while United slumped to sixth in the Premier League and only reached the last 16 of the Champions League. The Red Devils were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round and the League Cup in the third round.

Paris Saint-Germain introduced new head coach Christophe Galtier on Tuesday following the drawn-out departure of his predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino.

PSG thanked Pochettino and his backroom staff for “their work” when they confirmed they’d severed ties with the Argentinian handler one year before the expiration of his contract. He’s the fourth straight coach to be sacked by the French club.

Galtier, who oversaw Nice last season, was swiftly named as Pochettino’s replacement at the Parc des Princes.

“Yes, I am emotional. Yes, I am proud,” Galtier said at a press conference. “I am fully aware of the responsibility placed on me, that PSG had a huge season. I have prepared myself for this.

“If I have accepted these responsibilities, it is because I feel I am capable.”

Pochettino won the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions following his appointment in January 2021 but ultimately failed to deliver the long-term goal of winning the Champions League. PSG lost to Manchester City in the semifinals of the 2020-21 campaign before falling to eventual winners Real Madrid in last season’s round of 16.

Now, Galtier will need to prove he can handle the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar after spending his entire managerial career in France. The 55-year-old won the League Cup with Saint-Etienne in 2013 before concluding a four-year stay at Lille with the Ligue 1 title in 2021.

He worked previously with PSG’s new football adviser, Luis Campos, at Lille.

Galtier represented hometown club Marseille – PSG’s archrivals – over two spells during his playing career.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wish isn’t necessarily Manchester United’s command.

United have no intention of selling the wantaway 37-year-old and expect him to see out the final year of his contract, The Telegraph’s Ian Whittell reports.

Ronaldo told the club on Saturday he’d like to leave if it receives a suitable offer for him this summer. In recent weeks, Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, appeared to hold talks with Chelsea and Bayern Munich over a potential move. Napoli have apparently shown interest in signing the superstar as well.

However, United reportedly expect Ronaldo to join preseason training Monday as scheduled. The club granted him and other international players an additional week of vacation.

Ronaldo requested a transfer after expressing concerns over United’s competitiveness, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Adam Crafton. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly hopes to play another three or four seasons at the top level, and it’s unclear if United can match his ambitions. The Red Devils – who failed to qualify for the Champions League last season – have yet to make a signing this summer.

United are reportedly set to announce Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia as their first offseason acquisition. They’re also considering signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and free agent Christian Eriksen.

Newly appointed manager Erik ten Hag also views Ronaldo as a key piece of the project at United. The Dutch boss will reportedly discuss the player’s future Monday when he shows up for training.

It’s unlikely Ronaldo would force United’s hand and hold out for a transfer. He still has an immense amount of respect for the club that launched his career, and recently said he’s “happy” to be there.

“I believe that Manchester will be where they belong,” Ronaldo added. “Sometimes it takes time, but I believe.”

The forward led United in scoring last season with 24 goals in all competitions. His contract expires in June 2023, but the club has an option to extend it by a further season.

Cristiano Ronaldo told Manchester United he wants to leave the club this summer, The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Adam Crafton report.

Ronaldo would only push for an exit if United receive a suitable offer, according to Ornstein and Crafton.

The 37-year-old reportedly hopes to close out his career with a team that can compete in the Champions League and contend for titles. United failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.

Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a move for Ronaldo since the 2021-22 season ended in May. Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, reportedly discussed a potential deal with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly in mid-June.

Napoli are reportedly interested in signing the Portuguese superstar as well.

Ronaldo has just 12 months remaining on his contract with United.