Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Manchester United looks to be drawing to a close with numerous clubs linked with a move for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for the 37-year-old during the summer transfer window after co-owner Todd Boehly met with his agent Jorge Mendes. Boehly proposed the idea to Thomas Tuchel but the German passed up the opportunity, a decision which eventually contributed to his sacking at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were just one potential option for Ronaldo who stated his desire to leave United as his feud with the club and new manager Erik ten Hag continues. The Portuguese superstar was recently dropped from the squad ahead of the 1-1 draw against Chelsea after refusing to come on as a substitute in United's 2-0 win against Tottenham, before he headed down the tunnel before the final whistle.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea win in Salzburg, Champions League, Pulisic, Havertz
Portuguese outfit Sporting CP remain a potential destination for Ronaldo, who he started his professional career with before making the move to Manchester. Speaking ahead of Sporting's UEFA Champions League clash against Spurs, manager Ruben Amorim admitted it is the club's 'dream' for the 37-year-old to return, but the finances involved would prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
"I don't know," Amorim said when asked if Ronaldo could return to Sporting. "Ronaldo is a top player, a Manchester United player.
"Everyone in Sporting dreams of the return of Cristiano, so I don't want to speak about that. He's a Manchester United player, a top player, and he will be for a few months.
"I'm going to respond the same way as a lot of journalists in Portugal ask me that question a lot. He is a Manchester United player.
"Everybody in Sporting dreams of the return for Cristiano but we don't have the money to pay his wages. I think he is happy in Manchester but is not playing so that is the problem."
Ronaldo's recent actions at Old Trafford may have proved to Chelsea that they dodged a bullet by not signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Amorim added: "I have my problems with some of Sporting players so it is Ten Hag's problem!
"I am very happy with my players , no problem at all at the moment, so I just want to beat Tottenham."
READ NEXT:
Predicted Chelsea team vs FC Salzburg – Kovacic decision made, Potter shakes up the attack
Graham Potter has £2m trick to secure Paul Winstanley amid Chelsea Leandro Trossard move
New Todd Boehly January plan revealed with surprise U-turn amid Christopher Nkunku transfer
Who is Laurence Stewart: Chelsea director search, working with Guardiola, World Cup experience
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
