London - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson moved on Tuesday to play down reports linking forward Carlos Tevez with a move to Real Madrid.

The Argentina international has seen his first-team opportunities at the Premier league champions limited this season by the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov, and has been linked with a number of clubs.

Ferguson, though, was adamant he would not be selling, and especially not to Real Madrid, whose lengthy pursuit of winger Cristiano Ronaldo he saw off this summer.

"No, I've not spoken to Carlos about Real Madrid's interest. We get used to them talking to our players," he told reporters.

"I could have the opportunity to respond to Real Madrid every day of the season because it never stops.

"We should talk about the game because there will be plenty of time to talk about Real Madrid throughout the rest of the season." (dpa)