Chelsea drop interest in Christiano Ronaldo after acquiring Sterling
Chelsea have ended their interest in signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
The Portuguese international had earlier informed the club he wants to leave and has then been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
But things turned differently after the London side secured the signature of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling on Wednesday. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said his “focus is on defence”.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has also said Ronaldo is “in our plans” and “not for sale”.
The forward has yet to join Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia because of what Ten Hag called “personal issues”.
Chelsea’s new owners are understood to be delighted with the recruitment of England international Sterling and consider him to be a marquee signing.
Tuchel said he hoped Sterling could help “shape” his team and provide leadership to a young attack following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan.
The German coach said Chelsea needed to “work smart and fast” in the transfer market to catch their rivals following sanctions on the club, with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly set to sign a four-year deal and talks held with Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake.
