Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Hope to Red Devils

Cristiano Ronaldo has cast further doubt over his future at Real Madrid by refusing to confirm that he'll be staying at the club long-term.

Spanish newspaper Marca recently reported that the Portuguese star was set to sign a bumper new contract, increasing his yearly salary after tax to £14.8 million.

But Ronaldo, speaking in the U.S. ahead of Real Madrid's third preseason tour match, seemed less sure of his plans.

Sky Sports quoted him as saying:

"

The situation still hasn't been resolved and I don't think now is the right time to talk about it.

Perhaps we'll be able to give more concrete news about this further down the line but now the only thing in my remit is to train and work.

"

With Madrid pursuing a world-record offer for Tottenham's Gareth Bale this summer, Ronaldo's position at the Bernabeu has been the subject of increased speculation in recent weeks.

Although both are capable of playing in a number of positions, Ronaldo and Bale both prefer to play on the left of a three-man attacking front.

Carlo Ancelotti's move for Bale may well have left the world's most expensive player wondering whether he'll be the top dog in the Spanish capital next season.

Answering questions about Bale's proposed move, Ronaldo is quoted in The Telegraph as saying:

"

I'm not qualified to talk about new players, but I'm very happy with the players the team already has.

In terms of the transfer fee, you should speak to the coach [Carlo Ancelotti] and president [Florentino Pérez] about that. I have my opinion, but I'm not going to reveal it in front of the cameras.

"

This uncertainty, combined with his well-documented love of Manchester United and Premier League football, make connections with the Old Trafford club inevitable. In fact, Duncan Wright of the Daily Star recently claimed he was "on the brink" of a United return.

But despite Ronaldo's latest quotes, a conflicting report by John Cross of the Daily Mirror claims the former World Player of the Year will indeed commit himself to Los Blancos.

This report, along with Ronaldo's noncommittal stance, makes it difficult to predict where he will be plying his trade next season.

If he is to leave Real, a return to former club United looks by far the most likely option.

David Moyes is struggling to land his main transfer target Cesc Fabregas and could be forced to look elsewhere in his bid for reinforcements.

United have been credited with an interest in their former player all summer, and even though it would take the entirety of their transfer budget to lure him back, it could be a viable option if moves for Fabregas and Everton duo Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines fail to materialise. 

Having spent six seasons in England's top-flight already, Ronaldo would have no trouble adjusting to the pace and physicality of the division.

And, with Wayne Rooney's future still up in the air, there's a chance that Moyes may need to strengthen his attack—and not just his midfield—before the transfer window slams shut.

Ronaldo would be the perfect man to replace Rooney. He's still adored by United fans worldwide and has the quality to fire the Red Devils to a second consecutive title.

But first he's got a decision to make. Stay at Madrid and relish the competition brought about by the signing of Bale, or push through a move back to the North West of England.

One thing's for sure, his choice will play a big part in deciding the destination of both the La Liga and Premier League titles next term.