Chelsea have ended their interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, following talks between Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly.
Tuchel had refused to rule out a move for the wantaway forward this week, with Chelsea among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the 37-year-old.
Chelsea co-owner Boehly met with Ronaldo’s representatives to discuss a deal last month, though the Times are reporting that the west Londoners have now ended their interest.
Ronaldo has expressed a desire to leave the Red Devils, in order to compete for major trophies and in the Champions League, having grown frustrated with the club’s transfer business so far this summer. United’s stance has remained that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not for sale and remains a part of Erik ten Hag’s plans.
Chelsea’s focus is on bringing in defensive additions, having seen both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart on free transfers.
The club are closing in on the £33.8m signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, while talks are ongoing over deals for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Raheem Sterling became the Blues’ first summer signing on Wednesday, having joined up with the squad for their pre-season tour of the United States after completing his £47.5m move from Manchester City.