Cristiano Ronaldo's potential move to Manchester United was hiding in plain sight as several members of the Old Trafford community had already hinted that it was in the pipeline.
Manchester City looked to be leading the race for his signature with reports he had agreed personal terms with Pep Guardiola's men.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dropped a bombshell at his press conference on Friday insisting "we are here" if Ronaldo leaves Juventus.
He said: "Cristiano Ronaldo. is probably the greatest player of all time with (Lionel) Messi.
"I didn’t think Ronaldo would leave Juventus. There has been speculation. We have always had a good communication, Bruno (Fernandes) has been talking to him. He knows what we feel about him. If he is going to move he knows we are here."
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"When you are at United you have to read a lot about yourself. Let's see."
Quizzed about Ronaldo going back on his word by moving to City, Solskjaer responded: "We focus on the ones we have here. Don't want to speculate too much on him."
Ronaldo's potential transfer to City has been met with controversy after endearing himself to the Old Trafford faithful for six years under Sir Alex Ferguson.
But some quarters of the Man Utd community weren't buying it, hinting that they knew there was a chance United would be making a last-gasp attempt to sign him.
Rio Ferdinand's cryptic tweet intensifed those rumours as he shared a gif of actor Leonardo DiCaprio laughing in one of his renowned films Django Unchained.
Ian Stirling, chairman of one of the supporters' associations, also added fuel to the fire.
@Stirling061 said: "Don’t ask. I’m sworn secrecy.
A well-known and respected fan close to the club known as 'Mack The Knife' also claimed earlier that United made a late attempt to sign Ronaldo.
@IdMjones added: "United have apparently made a last-ditch attempt to scupper City’s bid for Ronaldo.
"Hold on tight, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Former journalist Alistair Fergusson also refused to rule out the possibility of Ronaldo making a return to Old Trafford.
@fergie1975 tweeted: "Once they leave our club they are no longer with us, they’re against us. Same as it ever was. They only belong when they’re with us. After that I couldn’t care less about them. I’m more affronted than upset if Ronaldo joins Citeh."
"So with this in mind, will he be with us again?"
talkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein admitted he would be "stunned" if Solskjear didn't make an attempt to sign Ronaldo given the fact he has been made available by Juve.
@andygoldstein05 said: "Read into this what u want. All im saying is, I’d be stunned if united aren’t going in for Ronaldo.
"All these “experts” saying the deal to city is pretty much done."
