Paul Merson believes selling Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo to Newcastle United would be a bigger threat than offloading him to Chelsea.
The 37-year-old's fairy tale return to the Theatre of Dreams has descended into a nightmare as uncertainty surrounding his future continues to overshadow the early weeks of Erik ten Hag's reign.
In the latest twist in this tiresome saga, Ronaldo has hit out at the press in a post on Instagram, accusing the media of 'telling lies' and saying that only a handful of the stories about him this summer had been correct.
Ronaldo missed Man United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Austria due to personal reasons and caused controversy when he left early during their final pre-season game against Real Vallecano.
Ronaldo has asked to leave the club this summer and Sky Sports claimed on Tuesday that Ronaldo may be allowed to leave if Ten Hag decides his club would be better for the club going forward. The report added that Atletico Madrid and Chelsea were still two possible destinations for the Portugal international.
Although the prospect of selling to Chelsea has been deemed by some as a threat, Merson insists that Chelsea and Man United are currently worlds apart.
"Why is it their rival? They're not top-four Man United - they're a million miles off," Merson declared.
"They've got to be making sure they don't sell to Newcastle. I'm not being horrible but at the moment they're a million miles behind.
"Don't worry about the top four at the moment, worry about the club. You've got to start walking again. Don't start sprinting and looking at the top four."
Ronaldo scored 24 times in 38 matches for the Red Devils across all competitions last term. His off-field antics have been highlighted as a contributing factor to Man United's demise but he will be looking to resolve his future in the imminent future with what looks to be his final World Cup just three months away.
READ NEXT
Newcastle and Chelsea part-owners make £747m investment as boardroom links strengthened further
Newcastle want 'exceptional' new coach in fast who will be asked about certain transfer targets
Kieran Trippier breaks up fight and the four words Burn roared at Newcastle players in tunnel
Premier League boss reacts to Newcastle investing 'a lot of money' in player with 'high level'
Eddie Howe reveals truth about Newcastle dressing room's 'inner frustration'
