Manchester United look almost certain to miss out on Sergio Ramos, who is now expected to sign a new contract to remain at Real Madrid.
The Spain international has been a key member of Los Blancos first team since arriving from Sevilla in 2005, since when he has helped them win three league titles, two Copa del Rey’s and a UEFA Champions League. His future at the Bernabeu has been in doubt all summer though, having become upset with the club’s refusal to offer him a new contract in line with their top-earners.
When United lodged their interest it was widely reported that Ramos was keen to make the move to Old Trafford, although Real rejected at least one bid from the Premier League giants. It has been claimed that the Reds in turn have flatly refused to let David de Gea join Rafael Benitez’s side, unless they agree to sanction a deal to allow the 29-year-old defender to move to England.
But it now appears as though any chances Louis van Gaal had of taking Ramos from the Spanish capital are all but over, with reports claiming the player has now met with club president Florentino Perez on the club’s pre-season tour of China and a new contract has been agreed. It is believed the centre-half will sign this new agreement when he returns to Madrid ahead of the new campaign.
Van Gaal is now expected to once more turn his attention to Nicolas Otamendi, the Valencia defender who has also been linked with a move to neighbours Manchester City. The Argentina international was one of the most impressive players in his position in La Liga last term, but it is thought that United have previously been reluctant to meet Los Che’s asking price of £36million.
One player who the Old Trafford club have signed is Sergio Ramos, the Argentina international goalkeeper. The 28-year-old became a free agent upon the expiry of his Sampdoria contract earlier this summer, and he has agreed a three-year deal with United. He is expected to replace Victor Valdes, who has been told has no future at the club after refusing to play an U21 match last term.
As for De Gea, it looks increasingly likely that he will start the new season at his present club. United are refusing to be bullied into selling the former Atletico Madrid number one to Real for a knockdown price just because he is in the final year of his contract, and it has been reported that Los Blancos are prepared to sign the 24-year-old on a free transfer next year instead.
