It was a transfer that failed to materialise last summer, but Chelsea may be about to renew their interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea were one of several clubs contacted by Ronaldo’s representatives last summer after the Portuguese superstar made the decision to leave Manchester United.

Yet Blues boss Thomas Tuchel was not keen to pursue his interest in the 37-year-old, as Chelsea switched their attentions to former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Chelsea's owners made it clear that they were keen to bring Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge, with his huge commercial appeal off the field adding to his enduring brilliance on it.

That interest remains and with Tuchel now removed from the equation after Graham Potter replaced him as Chelsea manager last month, the club are again being tempted by a move for Ronaldo, with a short-term deal possible in January as he looks to end his miserable spell at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo missed Saturday's game between Chelsea and United after he was dropped by manager Erik ten Hag for refusing to play against Tottenham when he was asked to come off the bench late in the game. He then left the ground before the final whistle in a scene in a double show of dissent that forced the club to fine him for his latest act if indiscipline.

The incident will ensure Ronaldo leaves United in the January transfer window and Chelsea are now emerging as one of his more likely destinations.

A deal until the end of the season has been floated, with the option for an extension into a second season if all parties are happy next summer.