CHELSEA are at the forefront of hosting Cristiano Ronaldo Champions League football.
The superstar forward sensationally told Manchester United he wants to quit.
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The Red Devils are determined to stand firm and refuse to sell – but the Portuguese star insists they should give the green light for any ‘acceptable’ bid.
And that could lead to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joining rivals Chelsea, who finished third last season – and thus have a seat at Europe’s top table.
Thomas Tuchel is looking for a new goal scorer after Romelu Lukaku’s season-long loan to Inter Milan.
This leaves Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as the only players who can really play up front in the team.
The West Londoners are keen to make the forward their mark this summer and have been keeping an eye on his situation with United.
New Blues chief Todd Boehly recently met with Ronaldo’s agent – Jorge Mendes – to discuss a myriad of topics, including a possible move for the sports icon.
German giants Bayern are also interested in signing the veteran forward, who was a ray of light in an otherwise sad season for the Red Devils.
Ronaldo was United’s leading scorer, finding the back of the net 24 times and providing three assists in 39 games.
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Sporting Lisbon have inquired, but Ronaldo’s wages of £ 480,000 a week mean there is little chance of a return while Serie A is a possible destination.
The transfer bomb comes after a first week of pre-season training, where new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag earned good reviews.
Ron, who has yet to return to Carrington, is unhappy about the prospect of playing a first season in almost two decades without Champions League football.
And he does not believe that United’s team is capable of making a title bid.
Sources in Portugal maintain Ronaldo, who has 12 months left on his contract plus a one-year option, has not demanded a transfer and does not intend to do so.
But United refuse to deny that he wants to leave.
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