Chelsea 'considering January move for Cristiano Ronaldo'

Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo during the January transfer window.

The 37-year-old attempted to leave the Red Devils over the summer, informing the club of his desire to depart in order to continue playing in the Champions League.

Ronaldo ultimately stayed at Man United past the deadline, but he has found it difficult to show his best form this season, only managing two goals in 12 appearances in all competitions.

The Portugal international hit the headlines on Wednesday evening when he refused to enter the field as a late substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Ronaldo was subsequently suspended for the clash at Chelsea on Saturday, when Man United came from behind to secure a late point courtesy of a header from Casemiro.

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The Red Devils are allegedly prepared to let Ronaldo leave for free in January, while they would also be open to a loan move for the remainder of the campaign.

Chelsea were strongly linked with the Portuguese over the summer, with the club's new owners believed to have been keen to secure his signature, but former head coach Thomas Tuchel was against the deal.

Graham Potter is now in charge of the London giants, and according to Sunday World, the Blues could make a move for the experienced forward in the early stages of the new year.

The report claims that Chelsea could attempt to sign Ronaldo on a short-term deal in January, with the possibility to extend it next summer if it proves to be a success.

The former Sporting Lisbon youngster, as it stands, is due to return to training on Monday with a view to being involved in the squad against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League next week.

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Speaking after Man United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville insisted that the best option would be for Ronaldo to leave as soon as possible.

"When you look at whether Ronaldo should be selected, which is obviously Ronaldo's main problem at this moment in time - that he's not playing - as great a player as he's been, Manchester United are better without him," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"Erik ten Hag knows that, so I think the only thing the club and Ronaldo can do is get together in this next week or so and end the relationship. Cristiano is too good a player, too fantastic a character and the club have got to move on."

The Red Devils are believed to be considering the possibility of terminating Ronaldo's contract, with a number of MLS clubs also expressing an interest.

A departure for the Portuguese before the end of the campaign would likely lead to Man United moving for a new centre-forward during the January transfer window.