Chelsea transfer news: Blues linked with ‘sensational’ move for Cristiano Ronaldo

The Cristiano Ronaldo roadshow has taken what The Sun describes as a “sensational” twist. News has leaked from the Bernabeu that the Real Madrid marksman could be ready to sign for Chelsea.

Ronaldo, who scored twice at the weekend in Real’s 4-1 defeat of Valencia, has been reportedly unsettled for several months in the Spanish capital. Rumours flared back to life last week suggesting that Manchester United may be willing to give him one last hurrah in the top-flight.

But the Sun says that United’s signing of Alexis Sanchez has “slammed the door” on any potential move and the Portuguese star, who turns 33 in a week’s time, is now weighing up a move to Stamford Bridge.

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The Sun says they have it on good authority that he would be “open to a move” because he’s peeved that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has told him he cannot have a pay rise “which he was promised after winning the 2017 Champions League”.

With Real Madrid known to be tailing Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, the Sun wonders if a deal might be thrashed out between the two clubs. It quotes an unnamed source as saying: “Ronaldo to Chelsea would be a stunning deal, but it makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Chelsea need more attacking players and if United don’t want Ronaldo, it’s very unlikely he would go to Liverpool or Man City because of the rivalry.”

If Ronaldo does arrive at the Bridge in the summer might he find a new boss at the helm? Yes, says The Sunday Times. The paper reports that Luis Enrique has emerged as “a frontrunner to succeed Antonio Conte”.

The ST alleges that Conte was rapped over the knuckles by the Chelsea hierarchy last week following comments he made about the club’s transfer policy in the wake of their defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

He was apparently “warned about his comments and looks certain to be axed”. If the Sunday Times is correct then Enrique, the former Barcelona manager, will replace the outspoken Italian.

Enrique left Barcelona last year to recharge his batteries but it’s believed that he’s now ready for a fresh challenge and the idea of testing himself in the Premier League appeals.