Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has dismissed rumours linking Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo with a move to the La Liga side.

Reports over the summer suggested that the Portuguese legend’s agent, Jorge Mendes, had offered the player to Atletico, but Simeone says a transfer would never have happened due to Ronaldo’s close association with the club’s main rivals:

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible arrival at Atletico in the summer? The little birds told you anything far from what happened. People speak sometimes to tell what they want to tell, not reality. Cristiano Ronaldo for Atleti? Ronaldo is an absolute benchmark for Real Madrid. I wouldn’t see Martin Palermo or Riquelme playing in River Plate or Ortega in Boca. That’s very clear.”

There have been suggestions that Ronaldo could well push for a move away from Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens in January, but Simeone’s comments have firmly shut the door on a switch to Atletico.

Other teams, such as Chelsea and Bayern Munich, have been mentioned as potential destinations in recent months but there is now an increasing likelihood that the 37-year-old will stay at United until the end of the season.

The Red Devils do actually have an option to extend Ronaldo’s spell for another twelve months but, unless the club finishes in the top four, the forward will probably leave on a free transfer.