Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo Talk Answered by Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has given Manchester United some hope of a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo after confessing "nobody knows" what lies in store for the club's prized asset.

Los Merengues face off against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, another club to whom the 30-year-old has been linked. Speaking to the media prior to the midweek clash, Benitez was quizzed on those rumours and replied, per Spanish newspaper Marca:

"Nobody knows what's going to happen long term. Cristiano is of fundamental importance for us tomorrow, in the coming games, and I hope he still will be for many years to come."

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Ronaldo has another two-and-a-half years left to run on his Real Madrid contract, but rumours are once again starting to spin as to whether the Portugal captain could take his leave of the club before then.

PSG would be considered as one of the few clubs with the spending means necessary to facilitate that departure. Former international team-mate Pauleta told Radio Marca this week he should make the switch to France's capital if given the chance (h/t Goal's Tom Davis):

"PSG deserves to have a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's quality. It would be a good place for him to play for two or three seasons."

Ronaldo is enjoying his seventh season with Los Blancos and remains a prolific hit at the club, having netted 13 goals in 13 games across all competitions so far this term.

Ever since his departure from Old Trafford in 2009, the forward has been the subject of speculation regarding a return to Manchester United, but their current situation makes it more difficult to envision that comeback.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

The departure of Sir Alex Ferguson from the club's helm in 2013 has had a dramatic impact on results, with successors David Moyes and incumbent Louis van Gaal struggling to recapture the success he enjoyed.

Ex-United left-back Patrice Evra this week revealed to the Sunday Times Ronaldo was close to making his way back to the club several years ago, per Bleacher Report UK:

Based on recent results, the Red Devils are far from contending for European silverware again, having already lost at PSV and drawn at CSKA Moscow this term, while they sit fourth in the Premier League.

PSG would be considered the heavier favourites at present, and the Ligue 1 champions are so serious about landing the player, that they would even shun Jose Mourinho, according to French newspaper L'Equipe (via Get French Football News):

The former Manchester maestro did give an ambiguous response of his own when asked by German magazine Kicker if he'd ever leave Real (via Goal's Jamie Dunn):

"Leave Madrid one day? Why not? I play for Real Madrid right now, but you never know. You have to do what makes you happy. What will happen tomorrow? Nobody knows."

It's far from the "yes" all Red Devils supporters were hoping for, but the Premier League powerhouse will glean any positive they can until Ronaldo explicitly rules out any chance of gracing Old Trafford with his talents once again.