Manchester United have looked at the possibility of kit sponsors Nike funding a sensational move for Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.
Ronaldo has been linked with a return to Old Trafford for quite a while now and United have been looking at several possibilities at bringing back one of their greatest ever players.
In a meeting with Nike, to discuss a new lucrative contract, United officials sounded out the possibility of the sports manufacturing giant helping the club in signing Ronaldo at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
The Real Madrid man admitted to having mixed feeling about playing against United, especially at Old Trafford, where he almost seemed apologetic after scoring, what proved to be with winner, against them in the controversial Champions League game last Tuesday.
Ronaldo has always said he has a soft spot for Sir Alex Ferguson, and still considers him as a father figure. Ferguson is keen on bringing back his prodigal son, and has asked the board to find a way to fund the move.
Ronaldo, who is stalling on signing a new contract at Real, despite the Spanish club making their intentions clear on tying down their biggest asset on a long-term contract, might be tempted to return to his old club, if his current team were to go on and win the Champions League.
Real already won the Spanish La Liga title last year and only the Europe's elite competition now awaits to be added to the silverware collection since the Portuguese star's arrival in Madrid.
The fact that Real manager Jose Mourinho's future is also up in the air is another factor which might work in United's favor.
However, Ronaldo has always maintained that he would, at the very least, like to see out his contract with Real which expires in 2015, although he has also refused to rule out a return to Old Trafford in the future.
At the end of the day, Real are unlikely to let go of their prized asset, and the only way this move is likely to materialize is if Ronaldo himself asks to leave, something which cannot entirely be ruled out.