The intervention of some of Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammates was reportedly a key reason behind the five-time Ballon d'Or winner favouring a return to Old Trafford this summer.
The 36-year-old had looked destined to join United's local rivals Manchester City in a £25m deal, after telling current club Juventus that he wants to leave before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
However, in a remarkable turn of events Man City have since pulled out of the running to sign Ronaldo, with United now the clear front-runners for his signature.
Talks between the two parties only began on Thursday night, but they have advanced quickly and ESPN reports that a series of WhatsApp messages between Ronaldo and a number of his former teammates at Old Trafford helped to convince him to return.
The report claims that Ronaldo was warned that his Manchester United legacy and the esteem in which he is held by the club's fans would be irrevocably damaged if he joined their cross-town rivals.
While none of the ex-teammates has been named, now-Derby County boss Wayne Rooney hinted on Thursday that Ronaldo joining Man City would damage his reputation as a Man United legend.
The Red Devils are now confident of pulling off a sensational return for the forward on a two-year deal before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Ronaldo made 292 appearances for Man United between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals and helping the club to three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League crown.
Since leaving for Madrid, the prolific Portuguese attacker has netted 551 times at club level, while Man United's leading scorer in the same timeframe is Rooney with 156.
Barney Corkhill
