What Man Utd’s Erik ten Hag has just said on Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer news

Chelsea have been dealt a potential blow in their reported bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.

The Blues have been linked with a move Portuguese superstar this summer, with reports United could sell Ronaldo.

Sky Sports maintain that the Red Devils are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for Ronaldo, and other reports claim Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has held talks with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

The Blues are being tipped to pull off a £14million deal, but United continue to maintain they don’t want to sell Ronaldo, at least publically.

And Erik ten Hag has doubled down on that stance, making it clear that Ronaldo is a key part of his plans for the new season.

“We are planning with Ronaldo for this season - that’s it. I’m looking forward to working with him,” he said, as cited by Sky Sports.

Asked if Ronaldo has asked to leave, he added: “He hasn’t told me this. I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together.

“I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation him and had a real good talk.”

Ronaldo is not with United as they prepare to face Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday night.

United say the Portuguese has been given extra leave for ‘personal’ reasons, and they say he will join up with the squad in due course.

Whether the forward does actually return will be a key indicator, while Chelsea wait to see how the situation develops.

The Blues are expected to strengthen significantly this season, and they could do with forward options amid the loan departure of Romelu Lukaku.

Ronaldo could be a cheap option, at least in terms of upfront fee, but it will likely depend on United and Ronaldo’s stance as pre-season preparations are ramped up.