Chelsea are ‘weighing up a shock move for Cristiano Ronaldo’ amid his desire to leave Man United

Chelsea are considering a move for Cristiano Ronaldo amid his uncertain future at Manchester United, according to reports. 

The 37-year-old stunned United last week when he told the club he wishes to leave if they receive a suitable offer for him this summer amid his concerns that the Red Devils are not moving forward quickly enough.

The club have insisted he is not for sale and have underlined that he is under contract for another year but Premier League rivals are no eyeing a move for the star forward, according to The Athletic. 

Chelsea are considering a move for Cristiano Ronaldo amid his uncertain future at Man United 

The Athletic also reported last month that new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, where a move to Chelsea was among the subjects they discussed. 

It is said that talks have since continued between the US businessman and Mendes with Boehly and fellow director Behdad Eghbali though to be interested in signing an iconic figure. 

However, the wishes of manager Thomas Tuchel will have to be taken into consideration if the Blues are lining up a move. 

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly recently met with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes

The German boss is an admirer of Ronaldo and has previously suggested that he would like to work with him.

‘Time will tell, but I think it is not a secret that any team in the world without Cristiano [Ronaldo] is in some parts of the game a weaker team,’ said Tuchel, speaking last year. 

‘He is one of the greatest who has ever played this game, and he proves it every time he is on the field.

‘Now [he is] in the Premier League and in the Champions League, so they lost a big champion, a big point of reference and a big personality. But you can win games and be a strong team without Cristiano Ronaldo. This is also true.’

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be an admirer of the Portugal international

However, there remains questions over whether Ronaldo will fit in at Stamford Bridge. Tuchel is likely to prefer an energetic mobile striker who can press.

While Boehly might enjoy the idea of landing the biggest name in football to announce his arrival but he is leaning heavily on Tuchel for advice and it’s hard to see the German being fooled into a blockbuster signing on a big name basis.

The Portuguese forward still ‘has an affinity for the club’ but at this stage of his career, he wants to be playing in the Champions League and does not see that happening at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo did not report for training on Monday due to family reasons but Sportsmail reported on Sunday that he will hold talks with Erik ten Hag upon his return as he looks to resolve his future.

The forward will hold talks with Erik ten Hag upon his return to United to resolve his future 

Many of United’s players returned to pre-season training on Monday but Ronaldo was missing 

United insist he is not for sale and have underlined that he is under contract for another year, although new boss Ten Hag is indifferent to whether he stays, hopeful that his departure would help fund other transfers.

His agent, Mendes, has also been talking to clubs such as Bayern Munich and Napoli over recent weeks to test whether there is a market for his client but no agreement is in place as it stands.

However, in an interview at the end of the season Ronaldo had insisted that he was happy at Old Trafford.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus man said: ‘I was and still am very happy to be here. 

Ronaldo insisted he was happy at Old Trafford in an interview at the end of last season

‘I know (Ten Hag) did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he’s an experienced coach but we need to give him time and things need to change the way he wants.

‘I hope we have success. I wish him the best. We are happy and excited. 

‘Let’s believe that next year we are going to win trophies. I believe that Manchester (United) will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe.’

Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season with 24 goals in all competitions, but was not able to steer them into the Champions League after they finished sixth. 

Ronaldo was United’s top scorer with 24 goals but failed to steer them to Champions League

But reports emerged on Monday claiming that it was United that considered Ronaldo’s future earlier this year. 

According to The Athletic, former interim manager Ralf Rangnick wanted to sell Ronaldo during the January transfer window as the forward was hindering what he was trying to implement at the club: a high-pressing side.

Rangnick reportedly asked football director John Murtough and chief executive officer Richard Arnold, via several emails and messages, to consider selling the Portuguese superstar as he felt convinced the No 7 wasn’t a part of the club’s long-term plans.

However, despite his pleas, the German was rebuffed. Now Ronaldo faces an uncertain future ahead of his return where he will have crunch talks with Ten Hag.