His release clause is worth a similar fee - believed to be around £105.4m (€120m) - and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea or United could afford such an amount.

Chelsea are already facing a summer firesale to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play regulations after a mammoth £323m spend in January, while United are in the middle of a possible takeover sale, which could scupper their chances of competing for Ramos' signature.

But the need for a prolific marksman up front is evident, with just 29 goals scored in the league this season.

Boehly may also want to avoid pushing through a transfer while their search for a permanent manager next season continues. Frank Lampard has been installed as caretaker boss, but it is unlikely Chelsea would risk spending a fortune on a marquee signing without the approval of their new head coach, with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann currently the frontrunners.