‘De Bruyne makes Chelsea decision after Cristiano Ronaldo twist’
Chelsea are interested in re-signing Man City star Kevin de Bruyne on a free transfer when his contract expires at the Etihad.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old will consider all possibilities as a free agent.
However, a return to Stamford Bridge is considered unlikely at this stage amid comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s underwhelming second spell at Man United.
This comes after Football Insider revealed De Bruyne would have to take a pay cut to remain in the Premier League and it would be a “surprise” to see him remain in England.
Instead, moves to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer are seen as more viable options given the money on offer.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider in February that De Bruyne wants to move to the MLS after quitting Man City at the end of the season.
Kevin de Bruyne makes Chelsea decision after Man City exit
Brown told Football Insider that Inter Miami are the favourites to sign De Bruyne as things stand and he is interested in the possibility of a move to the USA.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted he is unlikely to remain in the Premier League despite leaving the door open.
“Chelsea will be having a look at whether it’s possible,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re not afraid to pay players big money and he’s still got the quality to do well for them.
“But I think De Bruyne will be hesitant about staying in the Premier League despite what he’s said about it publicly and in the media.
“There’s always the risk that things don’t go as planned and it turns out badly.
“It’s a bit like when Cristiano Ronaldo came back to Man United, everybody expected so much from him and he was still a good player, but something wasn’t quite right.
“I don’t think going to another club in the Premier League is going to be his best option.
“There’s too much at risk – it’s his reputation, the money that would be involved, and the risk that he’s just not quite 100 per cent any more.
“At 33 years old, it’s understandable that he would’ve dropped off a bit.
“So I think the best move for him, and indeed for Chelsea, would be to move on and go elsewhere.”
Enzo Maresca sack update emerges at Stamford Bridge
Links with a potential move for De Bruyne come as Chelsea are aiming to back Enzo Maresca heavily during the summer transfer window.
Football Insider revealed Chelsea are set to support Maresca amid sack pressure at Stamford Bridge, with fans growing tired of lacklustre performances.
The Blues’ board are aiming to establish some stability after a turbulent couple of years and want to set the manager up for a successful second season.
This is despite growing pressure from the stands as Brown told Football Insider Chelsea fans have turned on Maresca and are putting pressure on the owners.
For more Chelsea and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.