Manchester United have told Cristiano Ronaldo he cannot leave this summer while his representatives work to gauge the interest of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson.

Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid have been linked with moves for the superstar, who’s understood to want to play in the Champions League over the remaining years of his career.

The 37-year-old is also concerned about United’s failure to sign any players so far this summer.

Despite his reservations, United expect Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford next season, BBC Sport’s Simon Stone understands.

Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, met with new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly in Portugal last week, and the United attacker’s future was among the topics discussed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported Saturday.

Bayern have apparently been involved in a similar meeting, but sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently said there’s “no truth” in the rumors linking the German giants with Ronaldo.

Mendes represents numerous other big-name players, including AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, and Ederson. Because of this, United believe there was nothing untoward in Mendes’ recent meetings.

Ronaldo has one year left on his contract. He was one of the few United players to escape strong criticism last season as he scored 24 goals in all competitions while the side slumped to sixth in the Premier League – qualifying for the Europa League as a result – and only reached the last 16 in 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.

Barcelona submitted an opening offer to Bayern Munich in an effort to sign Robert Lewandowski, sources told Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN.

However, the offer could get rejected, as it’s believed to be below Bayern Munich’s €40-million valuation.

Despite Lewandowski publicly expressing his desire to leave the German side after the 2021-22 season, Bayern officials have repeatedly insisted that they want the Polish striker to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires in June 2023.

“Robert has a contract with us for another year and we expect to see him on the first day of preseason in July,” Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said during Sadio Mane’s unveiling Wednesday.

Bayern Munich officials have also cast doubt on Barcelona’s ability to complete such a deal given the Spanish club’s financial constraints.

Barcelona are prohibited from making new signings until they raise capital. The club plans to raise funds this summer through merchandising and television rights.

Lewandowski, who led the Bundesliga with 35 goals last season, has spent eight years in Munich but has repeatedly indicated he wants a fresh start. He said in May, “My story at Bayern is over.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona are reportedly also expected to launch a bid to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde with Barca boss Xavi Hernandez apparently eager to sign a proven center-back this summer.

Chelsea reached an agreement in principle with Inter Milan that will allow Romelu Lukaku to return to the Nerazzurri on loan, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The striker cost Chelsea €115 million to sign from Inter last August. However, last season’s disappointing return of eight goals over 26 Premier League outings – including a drought of over four months to begin 2022 – encouraged the Blues to accept a reported fee of €8 million plus add-ons from Inter.

Lukaku is expected to undergo a medical with Inter next week before joining his former side for the 2022-23 campaign.

The 29-year-old, who was also on Chelsea’s books from 2011-14, was prolific in front of goal during his stints with Anderlecht, West Bromwich Albion, and Everton earlier in his career. He wasn’t timid at Manchester United either, as he notched a reasonable 28 goals over 66 league appearances before leaving them for Inter in 2019.

His two seasons with Inter were the most fruitful of his career. He netted 47 goals, helping Inter win their first Scudetto since 2010 in his second campaign, and collected numerous individual awards.

Following last summer’s big-money transfer, Lukaku’s relationship with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel appeared irreparable when the Belgian expressed unhappiness with the coach’s tactics during an unauthorized interview in December. He was subsequently benched for many of the team’s big matches, including Chelsea’s Champions League knockout games against Lille and Real Madrid.