Real Madrid will not sell Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale, insists Zinedine Zidane

The pair are persistently linked with moves away from the Bernabeu

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale (GETTY IMAGES)

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will not be sold by Real Madrid, insists club legend and current coach Zinedine Zidane.

The pair find themselves persistently linked with transfers away from the Bernabeu, with Ronaldo often rumoured to be in line for a return to Manchester United and Bale to come back to the Premier League.

However, Zidane says selling the world's two most expensive players "wouldn't make sense" for the Spanish club.

"Big players are what people want to read about, so that is why they are written about, but why would Real Madrid have any intention of selling the best player in the world?," the World Cup winner told Shortlist.

"No he [Ronaldo] is not for sale, it wouldn't make sense."

Discussing reports of a move for Bale, who has a seemingly fractious relationship with Ronaldo, Zidane was equally as dismissive.

"Of course clubs are going to want Gareth, he is one of the best in the world, but I am not sure how much clearer we can be.

"Gareth has made it clear, his agent has made it clear, we have made it clear, his future is at Real Madrid. We sign the best players in the world, we don't sell them."

The duo have helped fire Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, where they currently sit level on points with champions Barcelona.