Chelsea's new majority owner Todd Boehly is wasting no time getting to work, and is eyeing a sensational summer swoop to kick off his reign.
American businessman Boehly completed a majority takeover of Chelsea in May following Roman Abramovich's sale of the club.
And, with a new board of directors being assembled, Chelsea are wasting no time in shaping their new future under the American.
With Romelu Lukaku set to complete a loan return to Inter, Chelsea are in the market for a new forward for head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Having been linked with Raheem Sterling in recent weeks, The Athletic are reporting that Boehly met with Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes this week, where a potential transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo was discussed.
Ronaldo returned to Manchester United last summer, and despite notching 24 goals in all competitions, could not turn the 2020/21 Premier League runners up into winners, as a dismal season saw them finish sixth and trophyless.
The report states that United intend to keep Ronaldo at the club for Erik ten Hag's first season in the hot seat, but it remains unclear whether or not Boehly will turn discussions into an official approach for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who retains an affinity for United but also has his concerns.
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It is believed that Ronaldo is still happy at United and keen to continue at the club under Ten Hag, but is concerned with their lack of transfer activity and is urging the club to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
United are yet to complete a signing as talk of a deal for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong rumbles on, while a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has fallen away despite initial speculation. Christian Eriksen is yet to decide whether or not he will accept an offer proposed to him by the Red Devils.
Ronaldo staying at United ahead of next season would mean he misses out on playing Champions League football; an attractive prospect that Chelsea crucially secured with their third place finish.
Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg - Manchester United v Atletico Madrid - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - March 15, 2022 Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble
If and when Lukaku's return to Inter is confirmed, the London-based club will almost certainly be in for a new centre forward to lead the line, with the Belgian's romantic return ending in a complete nightmare with Tuchel showing little interest in his services.
It remains to be seen whether Boehly's initial meeting with Mendes - who has a host of top class clients in football under his agency Gestifute - will amount to Chelsea making an approach for Ronaldo, but the discussions will be enough to concern United.