Manchester United are being linked with Ronaldo again amid uncertainty over the 32-year-old’s Real Madrid future.
The Portugal international is said to be ready to turn his back on the Bernabeu outfit because of club president Florentino Perez.
Ronaldo feels he is in line for a new contract but, having scored just six La Liga goals all season, Real are refusing to bow to his demands.
And Sky Sports’ La Liga expert Balague claims Manchester United are not interested in a return – simply because of his age.
“So could he re-join Manchester United?” he pondered.
“His people have put the word out about a possible return but the reality is that United do not want to get involved.
“They were interested towards the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign and during David Moyes’ time in charge, but it’s a different story now.
“That’s mostly because of Ronaldo’s age. He will turn 33 in February and his best days are clearly behind him, so it is difficult to justify the huge sums that would be involved in the deal.
“Of course, there is a romantic pull to having him back at Old Trafford, but the truth is that he does not fit the profile of a squad with an average age of just 26.”
Meanwhile, Balague thinks PSG’s money makes them frontrunners for the player’s signature.
“Of the other big clubs in Europe, only PSG could afford him with the figures his representatives would demand,” he added.
“But if that were to happen, Florentino would like Neymar in return. Real Madrid would be the only real winners in that swap.
“It is not an ideal situation for either Ronaldo or Madrid, but both parties have little choice but to focus on improving their fortunes on the pitch.
“If Ronaldo can use his goals against Deportivo as a springboard to help Madrid win more trophies, perhaps the club will become more open to another new contract.
“Or, more interestingly for both sides, perhaps more doors might open to him too.”