Cristiano Ronaldo’s options narrow after Chelsea turn down move

Chelsea have opted against making a move for Cristiano Ronaldo after talks with the Portuguese international’s representatives, according to the Guardian.

A year after his shock return to Manchester United, the 37-year-old has been subject to a potential exit from Old Trafford following their failure to secure Champions League football.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season — missing out on the top four and a place in Europe’s most elite club competition for the second time in four years.

Driven by his desire to keep playing in the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to be keen on a move away from the Manchester outfit, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain amongst the few clubs linked with a move for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The Portuguese international was reportedly offered to Chelsea by his agent Jorge Mendes, who recently met with the Stamford Bridge outfit’s co-owner Todd Boehly.

While Boehly is said to be interested in making Ronaldo a statement signing, the Blues have decided against the transfer after discussions with head coach Thomas Tuchel.

With the arrival of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, the German head coach is now looking to strengthen other areas of the pitch — particularly at the defensive front, where they are a tad short of options.

“I would not rule it out [signing another striker] but right now it is not the priority. The priority right now is defence, it’s not a secret. From there we need to see what’s possible,” Tuchel said via Sky Sports.

Ronaldo has also been linked with German outfit Bayern Munich, but his hefty wage demands make a move to the Bundesliga champions highly unlikely.

However, a report recently emerged stating that an unnamed Saudi Arabian club has made a mouth-watering approach for the 37-year-old.

The Saudi outfit have tabled a jaw-dropping £105m-per-yer contract to the Portuguese international and are offering Manchester United around £30m to secure his services.