Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo Inquiry Shunned by Madrid

Real Madrid have "made it clear" to Cristiano Ronaldo that he won't be returning to Manchester United in the summer, according to Duncan Castles of Goal.com.

Sky Sports' Guillem Balague recently suggested "everything is in place" for the Portuguese superstar to return to Old Trafford. Speculation has remained rife ever since that Ronaldo could move as soon as the summer.

However, Castles believes Los Blancos have already quashed any suggestion of the player exiting at the end of the current season, despite obvious interest from his old employers.

"New Old Trafford manager Louis van Gaal publicly stated an interest in signing the 29-year-old last week, but the Champions League holders have ruled out the possibility of Ronaldo leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season and have refused to discuss a price for the forward," Castles wrote.

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The player himself has played down the rumours, saying that "it's all speculation" and that he's "happy" in the Spanish capital, as reported by Alex Harris of the Daily Star.

This response is perhaps typical of any individual who is being linked away from his current club and doesn't want to cause a stir, as Ronaldo has a lot of football to play before his Premier League reappearance is likely to go ahead.

He has started the season in terrific form, scoring 10 goals in five La Liga matches, per WhoScored.com. He also netted during the Champions League opener against Basel and is just three goals away from emulating Raul's all-time record in the competition, per Joseph Wilson of The Associated Press, via Yahoo.

If Madrid are to become the first side in the modern era of the tournament to retain their crown, Ronaldo's goals are sure to be a major part of the success. Last season's La Decima win ensures the Portuguese star has won everything that is worth winning in Spain, a feat he also achieved during his tenure with United.

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Louis van Gaal's side recently lured Angel Di Maria from Madrid, a signing that could help nudge the Ronaldo deal along, according to Anthony Chapman of the Express. The duo played excellently alongside each other in the Spanish capital and would be well-equipped to rip through the Premier League's best defences, particularly if Radamel Falcao remains at United beyond his current loan spell.

Alfredo Relano of AS pinpoints Ronaldo's all-around lethality and ability to score "with both legs, his head, from distance, from close range. And with penalties and free kicks." Relano says, "It’s no wonder United yearn for him," even if the transfer appears some way off right now.

It's no coincidence that United and Madrid have enjoyed eras of success with Ronaldo in their side. Not only does he possess tremendous individual quality, but the 29-year-old has also always been excellent at bringing the best out of his team-mates. Wayne Rooney, who was sent off for kicking West Ham's Stewart Downing on Saturday, will vouch for this.

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Memories of the duo linking up on a weekly basis will no doubt come flooding back when United fans remember the Ronaldo years. Although he is ageing, this is a player whose mere presence in Manchester would lift the struggling side's morale. It may not happen soon, but in this case, "better late than never" couldn't be truer.