Byrne's club Oldham admitted United had made contact during the close season, but any return rested on the exit of full-back Christian Ribeiro.
“It is as it is and we’ve sort of moved on from that in a way,” Laws said.
“That’s the way football is, I’m afraid. One minute you can be doing something and the next minute it changes.
“The Cliff thing as far as we’re concerned is gone, unless something drastically changes. But at the moment he’s not available.
“If I said no to going back in January, then I would be telling you lies.
“I’d rather just keep it wide open and see what happens".