Manchester United are hopeful Cristiano Ronaldo could wear the number seven shirt again.
Edinson Cavani currently sports the number seven but there is speculation he could move to Barcelona before the transfer window shuts tonight.
Ronaldo has worn the number seven at club level since he joined United in 2003, with the exception of his first season at Real Madrid in 2009-10, as it was still occupied by Raúl. Ronaldo donned the number nine.
United are already in the process of seeking special dispensation to allocate Ronaldo the number seven while Cavani is still contracted to the club. If Cavani stays, he is expected to receive the number 21, which about to become vacant as Daniel James is joining Leeds United permanently. Cavani wears 21 for Uruguay.
The Manchester Evening News revealed on Monday Cavani was unhappy he was not included in the travelling squad to Southampton and he expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision by Premier League clubs not to allow internationals to play in red list countries. The Uruguayan football association confirmed the cancellation of Cavani's call-up on Monday morning.
Cavani, 34, has struggled to settle off the pitch in England and his father indicated in February he would leave United, only Cavani agreed to have his contract extended by a year in May.
Regarding squad numbers, Premier League rule M.4 states: "While he remains with the club a player will retain his shirt number throughout the season for which it was allocated."
The MEN revealed on Saturday the Old Trafford Meagstore is not printing Ronaldo's name on United shirts until today, when his squad number could be confirmed by the club.
Ronaldo posted an emotional message about his homecoming after United announced the completion of his transfer on Monday morning.
"Everyone who knows me, knows about my never-ending love for Manchester United," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. "The years I spent in this club were absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.
"I can’t even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide. It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man. United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands. This is absolutely 100% the stuff that dreams are made of!
"My first domestic League, my first Cup, my first call to the Portuguese National team, my first Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this special connection between me and the Red Devils. History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word!
"I’m right here!
"I’m back where I belong!
"Let’s make it happen once again!
"PS - Sir Alex, this one is for you…"
