Will Aymeric Laporte leave Cristiano Ronaldo? Former Man City defender makes decision on Saudi future amid Real Madrid transfer interest

According to Spanish publication Marca, the centre-back has been linked with Madrid following David Alaba's injury. However, the report states the 29-year-old has found 'stability' in Saudi, he will not leave Al-Nassr, and the Riyadh outfit will not throw away their £23.6 million ($30m) summer investment, who is reportedly on £21m ($26.6m) a year. Moreover, Los Blancos would not be willing to cover his sizeable costs and being in Saudi will not hurt Laporte's chances of playing for the Spanish national team again.

Laporte was one of a number of big names to head to the Saudi Pro League this summer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. They sit second in the table, 10 points behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal. While they may not overhaul their rivals, they are still in the title race, and have the AFC Champions League and King Cup of Champions to play for. And Laporte staying at the club will boost of their chances of landing silverware.

Laporte helped Manchester City win 12 major honours during his five-year spell with the club before joining Al-Nassr in late August on a three-year deal.

Al-Nassr take on sixth-placed Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad on Boxing Day. Ronaldo and Co will need a perfect second half of the season to close the ten-point gap on runaway leaders Al-Hilal, who have been propelled to the summit by Aleksandar Mitrovic's goals.