'He's better than what they've got' - Chelsea urged to take sensational transfer punt on Cristiano Ronaldo for Club World Cup by Man Utd legend

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is approaching the end of his lucrative contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. A new deal somewhere in the Middle East has been speculated on, but short-term transfers are being allowed for the Club World Cup.

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has admitted that CR7 could grace that tournament in the United States, with various clubs - from Europe to Brazil - being linked with moves to bring the all-time great on board.

Dwight Yorke, who won the Intercontinental Cup with Manchester United in 1999, believes that Ronaldo should be added to the ranks at Stamford Bridge. He has told gamblingindustrynews.com: “Yeah, why would you not? He can still do it. With his ambition and ability, if Chelsea are playing the way that they can and creating for him, he's still an incredible forward. I see no reason not to.

“He's better than what Chelsea have currently got up front there. I can tell you that they're not the greatest team in that number nine position. So I could see why he's linked to that move. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't take a punt on it but it’s just a no-brainer.”

Yorke, who once lined up against fellow United icon Ronaldo in the Premier League, is not surprised to see CR7 still going strong at 40 years of age. He said of the global superstar: “I’m not going to take the other side to somebody who has been one of the best players, if not the best player in world football for a period of time. What he has done is quite remarkable. I think we don't embrace these types of individuals enough, the ones who kept football afloat and kept the entertainment level so high, for such a long time, who contribute to football immensely in many respects.

“There's too many negative things around these guys. When you try to figure out who's the goat and who's the best one, what about the contribution that they continue to keep football at the very top of every sport in the world?

“The fact that he's playing at 40 years of age, still thinks that he can cut it - why would I want to say he can't? Why would I do that to someone who's been a remarkable player, an incredible human being as well, an incredible athlete that continues to try and raise his game and ours?

“All right, he's not the Ronaldo of old, where he was so explosive, can score you these spectacular goals. He’s been a different Ronaldo, but still obviously loves the games. He will keep himself immensely fit and wants to show that he can probably still compete.

“I think you've got to embrace those things and instead of looking for the negatives, because there's a lot of people out there who just say he's passed his sell-by date. He’s going to be the one to know when the time has come, but for now he’s doing everything to prolong his career. Whether you like it or not, the guy's a special human being and I think we should focus on that rather than negatives.”

Chelsea, who have wrapped up Champions League qualification through their Premier League standing, have a Conference League final clash with Real Betis to take in on Wednesday before turning their attention to Club World Cup matters. They will face their first fixture at that event on June 16.