Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that it would be "a great thing" for the Spanish side to be able to field Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the same side.

Messi has been strongly linked with a move away from Camp Nou in recent weeks, with a transfer to the Premier League mentioned in various quarters.

However, it is understood that there are just two teams in world football that could logistically afford to sign Messi – Manchester United and Real Madrid.

"Cristiano is the emblem of Real Madrid, and Messi of Barcelona. Each one has their own team and their own history, but to have both in the same team would be a great thing for us," Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference ahead of Thursday's last-16 Copa del Rey second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Messi and Ronaldo were both complimentary of the other during the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday.