Real Madrid has extended the contracts of superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, thwarting the plans of Manchester United to bid for either of the two players in January.

The two players "had been heavily linked with moves away from the Spanish capital," particularly to the English Premier League powerhouse, according to Metro. Real is said to have tabled a massive $114 million extension for Bale while Ronaldo was also given a new five-year deal for an undisclosed amount.

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With the new contracts, Ronaldo and Bale, arguably two of the best football players in the world right now, have officially committed their long-term futures to the Bernabéu giants. Both players are heavy favorites to win the Ballon d'Or this season.

Led by Ronaldo and Bale, Real won the 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League by beating cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid 1-1 (5-3 on penalties) in May at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. Los Blancos also led the first few rounds of this season's La Liga before being held to three-straight draws as of Sunday.

Caught Offside reported that aside from United, the two players "had been courted by clubs around the world" as well, and Real hoped that the extensions would finally put an end to transfer rumors linking them with other teams.

Bale is reportedly being groomed as Ronaldo's successor in Madrid as the latter is already on the wrong side of 30. The former Manchester United standout will be 36 years old when his new contract with Madrid expires in 2021.

Bale, who turned 27 in July, is expected to carry on Real's torch once Ronaldo retires.

Ronaldo joined Madrid from United in the summer of 2009 for a then-world transfer record of $101 million. Meanwhile, Bale was signed from Tottenham in September 2013 for a fee of $107 million, breaking Ronaldo's record.

TagsFootball News & Rumors, Football News & Rumors 2016, cristiano ronaldo, Gareth Bale, real madrid, Manchester United