There was a time this summer when Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. The club's new co-owner Todd Boehly was keen on the idea but it's understood Thomas Tuchel turned down the opportunity.
It's understandable that Boehly would want a superstar like Ronaldo for business reasons. Likewise, it's understandable Tuchel doesn't want the 37-year-old, who has been criticised for his attitude and his adaptation to press in a demanding system.
One man who knows all about that is Ralf Rangnick, who was the interim manager at Manchester United last season and worked with Ronaldo. The Portugal international still finished last season as the club's top goalscorer, but was widely criticised.
READ MORE: Ronaldo, Fofana, Aubameyang, Maguire, Gordon – Transfers Chelsea can still complete this summer
He's made it clear this summer that he wants to leave Old Trafford as he still has the desire to play in the UEFA Champions League. However, as of the time of writing, no club have made a serious offer for Ronaldo.
According to reports, Tuchel got in touch with his close friend Rangnick to ask the former United boss what working with Ronaldo was like. Tuchel was not sold on Ronaldo after the conversation, hence why Chelsea never acted on loose interest in the former Real Madrid attacker.
Erik ten Hag, who is yet to start Ronaldo this season in the Premier League, was very coy when asked about the Portugal international's future following United's 1-0 win away at Southampton on Saturday.
Ten Hag said: "I cannot say that [Ronaldo will stay]. We will be alert until the last second in the transfer market."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea could accidentally grant Man United £55m advantage by solving Cristiano Ronaldo dispute
Stormzy sends Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo transfer message amid unlikely Chelsea U-turn
Ivan Toney starts, Ronaldo decision – Thomas Tuchel's plan C Chelsea attack after £350m spend
Cristiano Ronaldo forced to move on from Chelsea transfer as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'close'
Chelsea bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Thomas Tuchel gets Cristiano Ronaldo transfer wish
