Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘offered to AC Milan’ as agent Jorge Mendes tried to push through Rafael Leao Chelsea transfer

MANCHESTER UNITED ace Cristiano Ronaldo was offered to AC Milan in a late summer transfer, according to reports.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, 37, communicated his desire to leave Old Trafford after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last term.

Instead, United had to settle for a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football.

Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with a number of top Champions League clubs.

But none decided to follow up with an official move for the 816-goal man.

It has been revealed, though, that Serie A champions AC Milan were offered Ronaldo late on by Mendes, journalist Gianluca di Marzio has reported via .

Mendes had desperately tried to engineer a move for Ronaldo's compatriot Rafael Leao to Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, so that there could be room for the football icon at the San Siro.

However, Portugal international Leao, 23, stayed put having netted 11 times and registered 10 assists in Milan's title-winning season last term.

With Ronaldo stranded at United, and in the final year of his contract, he has had to settle with watching most games from the bench until called upon.

Ronaldo has started just three times for United this season, with two of those coming in the Europa League against Real Sociedad and Moldovan side Sheriff.

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His only goal of the season came in the away game at Sheriff, netting from the penalty spot.

And Ronaldo's dip in form has even seen Portugal fans call for their captain to drop to the bench despite being in a World Cup year.

Those calls were ignored and he started both of Portugal's matches during the international break - but failed to score in either.

The 2022 tournament later this year in Qatar, is expected to be his last World Cup.