Chelsea have no plans to pursue Cristiano Ronaldo now that he is a free agent, according to reports.
The Blues were heavily linked with the forward back in the summer when it became clear he wanted to leave Manchester United. The Red Devils and the player have now parted ways mid-season after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, leaving the Portuguese star looking for a new club.
Chelsea have the finances to fund a move for Ronaldo, who has proven himself in the Premier League and was on the shopping list of new owner Todd Boehly. Despite that, The Sun claims the west Londoners are not set to go back in for the 37-year-old.
A source said: "Chelsea have gone cold on him, but if Todd Boehly decided to change his mind he would take some stopping." The Blues are currently second favourites to sign Ronaldo behind Sporting Lisbon, the club where the player began his career.
Boehly saw Ronaldo as a marquee signing in his first transfer window, but Thomas Tuchel was not keen on the ageing star as he eyed more defensive recruits. Graham Potter has since replaced the German in the dugout but there have been no signs of the club reigniting their interest.
Chelsea added Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer as they sought to sign a striker, whilst Raheem Sterling was also bought from Manchester City. The Blues have struggled for goals, though, with none of their players netting more than three times in the league.
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The conundrum for Ronaldo is whether he can find a club who are prepared to play to his strengths. His age means he won't be seen as a long-term solution whilst he has been criticised for his lack of work off the ball. His interview with Morgan may also put clubs off taking on the player, who has been accused of being a disruptive influence.
Ronaldo said after his exit from Old Trafford: "Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best."
His former team-mate Rio Ferdinand has said Ronaldo's next move will depend on what he wants to get out of the final years of his career: “I don’t know (where he will go next). We were talking about it here, I think it depends what the motivation is. Is it Champions League , money? Is it just to continue playing somewhere with a nice climate?"
