Napoli rule out January transfer for Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo

Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli says the club will not be going in for Cristiano Ronaldo in January.

The Serie A leaders were linked with Ronaldo over the summer but played down the rumours last month. At that time, Guintoli said: “There has never been a real negotiation, we are very close to our players. We consider the team very competitive. We never really talked about Ronaldo."

The 37-year-old saw options away from Old Trafford dwindle as deadline day approached, although the links with Napoli always lurked. Speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future is likely to return again as January draws near, especially after his early exit against Tottenham.

The Portugal captain was dropped for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday as a result, but has been welcomed back into the squad by Erik ten Hag ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie with FC Sheriff.

A number of pundits have called United to cut ties with Ronaldo in January, including Gary Neville, who said a split would be the best thing “for both parties”. Finding a buyer is another matter, and Giuntoli has been quick to quell any further links with his club.

Speaking to DAZN ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash with Rangers, he said: “Ronaldo in January? We won’t sign any player in January. We don’t need to change anything in this team. We’re doing great and we’re not planning any signing, as of today”.

Ronaldo has started just two Premier League games all season, and has two goals to his name across all competitions this term.