But Manchester United responded by issuing a statement Friday - described on its Web site as a "defiant message" - stressing that its prized asset won't be sold. It was an additional setback for Ronaldo, who also said he requires surgery on his right foot.

"Further to Friday's press speculation about where Cristiano Ronaldo's future lies, the club has moved to reiterate its stance on the matter: United are not listening to offers," United said.

Manager Alex Ferguson has been upset by Real's persistent attempts to lure Ronaldo to the Spanish capital. But his official protests to FIFA were rejected, with soccer's governing body ruling that no regulations had been broken.

Ferguson could be about to engage in a standoff with Ronaldo, who again made no secret of his desire to play in La Liga after Portugal was knocked out of the European Championship on Thursday.

"I will talk with Manchester and we will try to reach a deal," he said after the 3-2 loss to Germany in the quarterfinals. "The possibilities to go to Madrid are great, but it doesn't depend on me."

"Everyone knows what I want but in the next two or three days you'll have something new," he added. "I have many desires and in the next few days they will become clear."

But almost four years remain on his Old Trafford contract and Ferguson has said the team's American owners, the Glazer family, would prefer to banish players like Ronaldo to the stands rather than sell them.

The 23-year-old Ronaldo scored 42 goals in helping the Red Devils win the English and European titles last season.