Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insists he is not in talks to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United despite admitting it would be "charming" to see him pull on the famous black and yellow shirt.
Ronaldo, 37, is still hoping to join a new club this summer after making it clear he would like to leave Old Trafford in early July. The superstar striker's agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered him far and wide, with Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Bayern Munich among those linked with him at various stages.
However, no move has materialised and time is quickly running out for Ronaldo to join a club which can offer him Champions League football before the window shuts on 1 September. In a late twist, Dortmund emerged as a potential lifeline earlier this week; a move to the Bundesliga giants would present the five-time Ballon d'Or winner with the chance to plunder goals in a new country and compete in Europe's elite competition this season.
However, in the latest blow for Ronaldo, Watzke has confirmed there has been no contact with United or Mendes regarding the transfer, much as the idea of signing him appeals. The Dortmund CEO said: "I love him as a player, it's certainly a charming idea. To see Cristiano Ronaldo play at Signal Iduna Park...
"But there is no contact at all between the parties involved. So from now on, you should stop talking about it." Even though Dortmund have ruled out signing Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag has softened his stance on letting the veteran depart.
The United manager was initially adamant he would keep hold of the former Real Madrid and Juventus frontman, but is now ready to sanction an exit. The problem of where he can move to remains, however, as options are proving hard to come by.
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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly was interested in sending a statement to the rest of the Premier League by signing Ronaldo earlier this summer, shortly after he completed his takeover at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel put paid to his plans, though, as he did not want to bring the Portugal captain to West London.
Bayern chiefs reached the same conclusion, while there were doubts about Napoli's ability to afford Ronaldo and his eye-watering wages. Atletico appear the most likely remaining destination for the Sporting Lisbon academy graduate, but their fans have made it clear they do not want to sign a player who is a legend for their cross-town rivals.
