Ronaldo is not for sale

London: Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, his English club Manchester United insisted Friday amid growing speculation that the Portugal winger aims to leave for Real Madrid.

"Ronaldo has continually been linked with a move to Spanish side Real Madrid this summer. But the club reaffirmed that the 23-year-old United star is 'not for sale'," said United in a statement on its website.

"United are not listening to offers," it said.

Real have set their sights on the star player for weeks but the English champions and European Champions League winners United are determined to keep him.

Coach Sir Alex Ferguson has even suggested that he would rather bench Ronaldo than sell him.

United were responding to statements from Ronaldo after Portugal's elimination from Euro 2008 Thursday night in which he suggested a move to the Spanish champions.

"The possibilities of me going to Madrid are great but as you've all seen it doesn't depend on me. In the next few days, we will see if we can arrive at an agreement. I have many desires and in the next days, they will become clear," he was quoted as saying.

"In two or three days' time I will announce my future because the tournament is over for me," he said.