Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports that Real Madrid are interested in singing Carlos Tevez.

Having successfully fended off the Spanish giant's advances for Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, Ferguson may have to take similar action to keep them away from Tevez.

The Argentine star has been linked with a move away from the club as he looks to have been the main victim of Dimitar Berbatov's arrival at Old Trafford.

Ferguson today had short shrift for the Spanish media when quizzed about Real's interest in Tevez.

"No, I've not spoken to Carlos about Real Madrid's interest. We get used to them talking to our players," he quipped. "I could have the opportunity to respond to Real Madrid every day of the season because it never stops.

"We should talk about the game because there will be plenty of time to talk about Real Madrid throughout the rest of the season."

Ferguson further riled Real by conceding that their main rivals Barcelona were the only side who could upset English dominance of the Uefa Champions League this season.

"Barcelona have to be the big threat to everyone," he said. "We found them a very difficult side to play against in the semi-final last season.

"And this season under their new coach [Pep Guardiola] they have changed the format of the team, bringing in Daniel Alves at right-back and Gerard Pique, who they got from us.

"They are conceding fewer goals than last season and I put them alongside the other English clubs as the biggest threat."