Cristiano Ronaldo agent ‘talking with Chelsea again’ as Aubameyang transfer stalls
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly re-opened talks with Chelsea as the Manchester United star seeks a last-gasp exit from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo, 37, is still desperate to secure a return to the Champions League but time is running out for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Having already seen prospective moves to Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon and Napoli poleaxed, Ronaldo has until 11pm on Thursday (September 1) to finalise his future before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Now, according to the Independent, a 20th successive term at Europe’s top table could be on the cards for Portugal’s record goalscorer, due to a hold-up in Chelsea’s pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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Despite finalising a £25million fee with Barcelona, the west Londoners are only prepared to offer the ex-Arsenal captain a 12-month contract at Stamford Bridge, though Aubameyang is demanding at least a two-year guarantee. The contract stand-off has led to Mendes trying to resurrect a deal for Ronaldo, who is yet to complete 90 minutes since Man Utd’s 4-0 dismantling at Brentford.
However, Thomas Tuchel still has reservations over signing the 37-year-old with ex-Red Devils manager Ralf Rangnick informing his compatriot to stay well clear.
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(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: Getty Images)
The Blues boss has already rejected Mendes’ advances once in the transfer window when new owner Todd Boehly was personally spearheading Ronaldo’s move to the capital. Prioritising a deal for England sensation Raheem Sterling, Tuchel snubbed the chance to sign the five-time Champions League holder.
Erik ten Hag is hopeful of keeping Ronaldo beyond Transfer Deadline Day but has refused to rule out an 11th-hour departure. “I can’t say that,” the German told reporters when asked if Ronaldo will remain at Man Utd.
“We plan with him. We stick to the plan. We want him to stay. That is what I want.” When pushed on whether the Portuguese star will opt to stay, he added: “I hope so.”
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