Barcelona were allegedly given the opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo before the forward eventually rejoined Manchester United.

The Premier League giants announced last Friday that the Portuguese superstar was returning to Old Trafford, with further confirmation following on Tuesday.

However, according to Catalunya Radio, the 36-year-old was prepared to entertain a switch to Barcelona earlier this month.

The report claims that the former Real Madrid attacker offered himself to his ex-club's fierce rivals, only to be turned down by the Catalan side.

Barcelona allegedly gave no consideration to pursuing what would have been one of the most controversial transfers in football.