Thomas Tuchel Gives Wry Smile After Being Asked About Cristiano Ronaldo

Thomas Tuchel refused the opportunity to reject talk of Chelsea signing Cristiano Ronaldo, instead giving a wry smile to the question.

Ronaldo has informed Manchester United that he wants to leave the club this summer and is yet to return to training, missing the club's pre season tour to Thailand.

The 37-year-old wants to play in the Champions League next season, driving his desire to leave, although he waited till after being paid a large bonus before telling United of his desires.

It rather shortens the list of perspective clubs that the five time Ballon d'Or winner can sign for, even if he does lower his wages, which are already restrictive to most, but Chelsea are one of the few clubs said to be interested.

That interest mainly comes from new owner Todd Boehly and it's only if Tuchel green lights the move that the Blues will go for Ronaldo.

One fan got the chance to ask the German if the striker would be coming to Stamford Bridge, and the manager didn't rule it out, saying, "I am not gonna tell you," before laughing and giving a wry smile.

Whilst it's far from an admission that Chelsea will be putting a bid in for the former Real Madrid striker, it was also miles from ruling it out.

The west London club are expected to sign Raheem Sterling in the coming days, after agreeing a fee with Manchester City for the England international.

However, it doesn't completely solve their problems up front, with Romelu Lukaku having left on loan, just one year after becoming the club's all time top goalscorer.

Chelsea have also been linked with Matthijs de Ligt this summer, although they face competition from Bayern Munich, and could also hijack United's move for Frenkie de Jong.

United's own summer plans are in danger of being completely ruined by Ronaldo's desire to leave, which they weren't expecting, whilst their move for De Jong continues to drag on.

So far they have only added Tyrell Malacia at left back, although Christian Eriksen's move on a free transfer is also imminent according to reports.

Losing Ronaldo would leave them light of options upfront, with only Anthony Martial, returning from his loan spell with Sevilla, considered a striker in the first team.