Ronaldo, 37, did not return to training as planned last week (w/c July 4) on account of "family reasons" and was not part of the travelling party for United's pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is reportedly keen to keep playing Champions League football, something that is not in United's immediate future after they limped to sixth place in the Premier League last season.
United's public stance is that Ronaldo is not for sale and under contract until 2023, although it is hard to see this potential saga playing out in such an uneventful fashion.
Cristiano Ronaldo latest transfer news and rumors
Chelsea end interest in Ronaldo
According to reports from the Telegraph, Chelsea have now pulled out of any move to try and bring Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge this summer. Cristiano Ronaldo had asked Manchester United to let him go, should the club receive any reasonable transfer offer. Now, Chelsea were reportedly leading the race to pull off a deal with Ronaldo this summer. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is understandably eager to have the Portuguese striker in his squad. Ronaldo’s willingness to take part in next season’s Champions League has presumably forced him to take the decision. An article published by Football Insider claims that Chelsea are ready to make a £14 million bid for Ronaldo. The report said Chelsea will table a concrete offer to Ronaldo following some extensive talks between owner Todd and manager
The Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes also reportedly held talks with Todd over the possible transfer of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Blues recently completed the signing of Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling for £45 million, and they believe that Ronaldo’s arrival will only strengthen their attacking unit.
Both Chelsea and Ronaldo might be eagerly expecting the deal to take place, but it is believed that Manchester United will go all-out to retain the 37-year-old.
A report published by Maraca claims that Manchester United are not willing to send their star player to a direct rival club in the Premier League. The report also suggests that Chelsea might even offer some players plus cash for Ronaldo.
Manchester United are set to travel to Bangkok on Friday for their pre-season tour. Ronaldo will not be flying with the squad. Ronaldo, who was Manchester United’s highest goalscorer last season, was expected to report for the pre-season duties, but he did not return to training, citing some family reasons. The club officials also accepted Ronaldo’s request.
The former Real Madrid striker had joined Manchester United ahead of the 2021-22 season from Juventus. During his second stint at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored 24 goals after playing 38 matches. In the last Premier League, season, he netted 18 goals along with three assists.
The Manchester United finished last season’s Premier League campaign at sixth spot with 58 points in their kitty. In the upcoming season, they will start their EPL journey against Brighton and Hove Albion on August 7.The reason is said to be that PSG don’t feel that Ronaldo is the right signing for them at this moment and that the club doesn’t have enough space in their wage bill to pay the 37-year-old. Also, from a sporting perspective, there are also concerns that there isn’t room for him in the team with the current front three the Paris club currently have.
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