Ronaldo's close pal who announced Madrid exit hints at his next club

CRISTIANO RONALDO'S close pal Edu Aguirre has hinted at a transfer to Chelsea for the Portuguese ace.

The Manchester United star wants to leave Old Trafford this summer in order to compete for trophies, with the Blues a leading contender for his signature.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronaldo's friend Aguirre has just started following Chelsea on Instagram.

While a link may seem far fetched, Aguirre has form for predicting CR7's moves.

In 2018, the El Chiringuito host broke the news that Ronaldo wanted to leave Real Madrid after nine years.

Possibly for this reason, eagled-eyed fans jumped on his decision to start following Chelsea.

One wrote on Insta: "Thanks for confirming that CR7 is going to Chelsea with your follow."

New Blues owner Todd Boehly is believed to be driving the club's interest in the 37-year-old forward.

Boehly is said to have met with agent Jorge Mendes last month with Ronaldo on the agenda.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is claimed to be less keen, however.

Ronaldo remains on leave for "family reasons" and is yet to check back in at Carrington for pre-season.

He has skipped United's tour of Thailand and Australia, although they appear to be getting on well without him.

The Red Devils smashed Liverpool 4-0 in Bangkok yesterday, with forgotten man Anthony Martial among the goals.

As for Chelsea, Boehly and Co are set to complete deals for Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Nathan Ake could follow the duo through the door, with the Blues reportedly in talks with Manchester City to re-sign their former defender.