New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has explored the possibility of signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Premier League rivals Manchester United, it has been revealed.
The shock news has come to the fore on Saturday evening, courtesy of transfer expert David Ornstein.
The reporter for The Athletic has confirmed that a meeting between the aforementioned Boehly, and Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, took place last week.
During the discussion, the subject of the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future was brought to the fore.
This came as Boehly, it is understood, drew Mendes on the chances of Ronaldo swapping Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Norwich City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on April 16, 2022 (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
It is not clear exactly how Mendes responded to the inquiry, with the seriousness of Chelsea’s interest, as a result, up in the air at present.
Manchester United, for their part, fully expect Ronaldo to stay put this summer, having only secured a return to the club 12 months ago on the back of a spell in Italy with Juventus.
And though the Portuguese himself remains committed to the Red Devils cause, he is also understood to harbour concerns when it comes to the direction in which the club is moving.
This comes with the transfer team at the Theatre of Dreams, of course, yet to add a single new face to the ranks of incoming boss Erik ten Hag ahead of the new season.
One to keep an eye on over the weeks ahead…
? EXCL: Todd Boehly met Jorge Mendes in Portugal last week. Idea of Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea among subjects discussed. Unclear if #CFC will pursue. Man Utd expect him to stay. 37yo loves #MUFC but has concerns. With @dansheldonsport for @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/pHXelZAIIb
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 25, 2022
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