Cristiano Ronaldo influences major Real Madrid transfer deal

MADRID, Feb 16: Cristiano Ronaldo  has reportedly told Real Madrid not to sell Karim Benzema this summer.

Benzema has endured a difficult season at Real Madrid so far.

The France international hasn’t scored in the league since October but did find the net in their 3-1 Champions League win over Napoli last night.

His inconsistent form has seen Madrid backed to move for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala.

However, Spanish website Diario Gol claim Ronaldo has ordered the club not to sign a striker this summer.

Don Balon said last week the former Manchester United star had ordered Madrid chiefs not to sign Aubameyang, who has also been linked with Liverpool.

And it appears his influence is so powerful he is determined to keep Benzema at the Bernabeu.

He is happy playing alongside the Frenchman with the duo having been team-mates since 2009.

Ronaldo, who is enduring a mixed campaign by his usual high standards, believes Benzema is the key to him rediscovering his top form.

Manager Zinedine Zidane also wants to keep him at the club.

But Madrid chief Florentino Perez thinks differently and is willing to cut his losses on the former Lyon striker at the end of the season.