Real Madrid’s President, Ramon Calderon, has cast doubt on the possibility of a deal with United for Ronaldo – the biggest indication yet that the winger will remain at Old Trafford.

Whilst Calderon has fought hard to prise Ronaldo from United, it now appears that he is slowly resigning himself to defeat.

“Ronaldo has said he would like to play here, that it is a dream, that he would be excited to come to Real Madrid, but it is a desire of the player which can not be carried out without Manchester’s agreement,” remarked Calderon to the Marca.

There is still mystery surrounding the fitness of the player himself, with still no confirmation as to whether he will go under the knife for an ankle injury that has troubled him for some time. It is thought that Ronaldo will have the operation and then remain in Portugal to recover. That outcome would make him a serious doubt for the season kick-off on August 16 and could also hinder any further possibility of a move to Madrid.

Real have until the window closes on August 31 to make the move a reality, as Calderon stressed in this latest development.

“Theoretically we still have time, there are still two months left until the end of August if Manchester gets in touch with Real Madrid and makes an offer.”

For us fantasy managers the uncertainty surrounding the situation of the most influential player and biggest points scorer in the Premiership, is an early conundrum. Right now it appears he is out of the equation when it comes to initial lineups – although there is still time for that to change.

It looks likely that most will be planning for life without him, with a “Plan B” at the ready should he return to Old Trafford and somehow recover a semblance of the astonishing form of last season. Given the baggage that this transfer saga will have generated and the possibility of a nagging ankle injury, that may only be a remote possibility.