Erik ten Hag has already given Chelsea an ultimatum regarding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the 37-year-old heavily linked to an exit from Old Trafford. Todd Boehly met the Manchester United striker's agent Jorge Mendes to discuss a potential swoop for the Portuguese star, according to The Athletic.
It's said that Ronaldo, who sees his contract with the Red Devils expire in just 12 months, is increasingly disgruntled at the lack of transfer business that United have conducted thus far, with no arrivals as of yet. The report adds that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has already been offered to Bayern Munich, though the German giants have baulked at the proposal.
With Boehly having met with Mendes in Portugal last week, it's believed that Ronaldo's future was among several topics discussed amid his uncertain future at United. Whether or not Chelsea make a move for the talisman remains to be seen, however Ten Hag has already sent a hands-off warning to potential suitors.
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Speaking after his final game in charge of Ajax last month, Ten Hag said: "From tomorrow (Monday), my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there.
"What I have to say about it is, the detailed analysis still has to begin, I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around. We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant."
In another interview with De Telegraaf, Ten Hag added: "Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he’s already shown and I think he’s still very ambitious. Of course, I would like to keep him. He’s been very important to Manchester United this year and can produce great statistics."
Ronaldo featured 30 times for United in the Premier League last season, directly contributing to 21 goals. His impressive displays guided the Red Devils through patches of unfortunate form, though not enough to secure Champions League qualification.
Despite the rumours, Ronaldo is expected to report back for pre-season with United next month. Meanwhile, Chelsea are yet to resolve Romelu Lukaku's future, whose time at Stamford Bridge seems to be coming to a close.
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