Talk of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United could be good news for Newcastle United this summer.
After returning to Old Trafford last summer and being heralded as a king, the comeback looks set to end in tears.
The 37-year-old reportedly wants to leave Man United, seemingly unimpressed with where his club is. They were poor last season, and are yet to make any major steps towards improving this time out.
Now their top scorer wants out, but could remain in the Premier League. While every player under the sun is linked with Newcastle, Ronaldo is not. However, staying in the top flight of English football could actually help the Magpies.
Chelsea want to sign Ronaldo
According to the Athletic, Chelsea want to sign Ronaldo.
Before talk of his desire to leave Old Trafford emerged, it was reported that Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly had held talks with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes.
Now it is claimed by the Athletic that the Blues are considering a move for one of the greatest players of all time.
It would be an incredible move, and a transfer that once seemed totally unthinkable. But Chelsea’s new owners look like they want to make a splash, and Ronaldo would certainly do that.
And if they do sign Ronaldo, it could give Newcastle their own transfer boost.
That could help Newcastle sign Broja
While Chelsea are looking at Ronaldo, Newcastle are also trying to sign a striker. While the Portugal international isn’t on our radar, a young man at Stamford Bridge certainly is.
The Magpies reportedly want to loan Armando Broja from Chelsea, having missed out on Hugo Ekitike. Eddie Howe’s side face big competition for the 20-year-old, with Everton and West Ham both linked.
He would be a good signing for Eddie Howe. The striker has been praised by pundit Gary Neville, who thinks he’s ‘really exciting‘.
Thomas Tuchel reportedly wants to assess the striker during pre-season before deciding on his future, but a deal for Ronaldo could change matters.
Chelsea have loaned out Romelu Lukaku this summer, meaning they are a striker short. That could have opened a door for Broja to feature, but it will be slammed shut if Ronaldo joins.
However, CR7 is only a short-term solution given his age. Therefore, Chelsea may not be willing to totally let go of Broja. That could make a loan deal more enticing, and give Newcastle the chance to sign the striker they crave.
That would make everyone happy. Newcastle have a new option up top, Chelsea’s owner has a shiny new toy, and Manchester United…Dwight Gayle is available as a replacement?