Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Manchester United might be terminated, so the player makes an unexpected switch to Chelsea.

Dharmesh Sheth, a reporter for Sky Sports News, asserted this on Wednesday.

Sheth claims that United would prefer to make Ronaldo, 37, a free agent rather than give the impression that they are selling him to their Premier League rivals.

"Man United wouldn't want to be seen to be allowing him to go to Chelsea, but if they mutually terminate the contract, then he becomes a free agent, and he can do whatever he wants," a source said.

"How would Manchester United supporters respond if the team had decided to allow him to join a Premier League rival? Ronaldo's decision to sign with Chelsea as a free agent, as opposed to cutting their losses and leaving the responsibility to him, is up to him, Sheth said.