Rory McIlroy said Donald Trump's return to the White House "clears the way" for a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Trump recently said on the "Let's Go!" podcast that he could negotiate a deal between the two sides in about "15 minutes."

"He might be able to," McIlroy said Wednesday when asked about Trump's remarks. "He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too."

McIlroy spoke at a press conference for the DP World Tour's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

"Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is. But obviously, Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?

"But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."

McIlroy was also asked about a report in the London-based tabloid The Sun that claimed he and Tiger Woods had helped to negotiate a $1.3 billion deal between the rival golf leagues.

"It's the first that I've heard of it," the Northern Irishman said. "I know (PGA Tour commissioner) Jay (Monahan) was in Saudi Arabia last week ... and was having some meetings. But no, I think I would have heard if there was.

"I know he's briefing the transaction committee tonight. So maybe some news comes out of that. But as far as I'm aware, I haven't heard a thing."

McIlroy, who is a member of the PGA Tour subcommittee that is negotiating with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, said Tuesday's U.S. presidential election results could speed up a resolution.

"Obviously given today's news with what's happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit," he said. "So we'll see."

McIlroy, 35, is currently ranked No. 3 in the world. He comfortably leads the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai rankings with two tournaments remaining.

--Field Level Media