Manchester United will begin negotiations with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos on Monday, and Louis van Gaal is willing to meet the financial demands to secure the signing of one of Europe’s most esteemed centre-backs.
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Real Madrid superstar makes shock decision on Bernabeu future; Man Utd and Jose Mourinho on high alert
Manchester United want world class Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in exchange for David De Gea
It was sensationally claimed on Sunday that the Red Devils were favourites – ahead of Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain – for the Spaniard [via Le 10 Sport], while Spanish newspaper AS later revealed that they have been informed of the defender’s decision to call it quits on his Santiago Bernabeu career this summer. He is said to be furious that Real haven’t rubbished claims from Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Majo that Barca were offered his signature at the election.
Speaking to Spanish radio station, COPE, journalist Joseba Larranaga confidently voiced his belief that the Premier League giants will open talks with Ramos over a summer transfer to Old Trafford today, and that they are prepared to meet his wage demands of €10m having made him a priority signing.
The Guardian suggested that Manchester United could take advantage of Los Blancos’ interest in David De Gea by tabling a potential swap deal.
The British newspaper state that Ramos has a £128m release-clause, but with his contract set to expire in two seasons time, along with talks still ongoing over a fee for De Gea, van Gaal believes a deal can be made to avoid meeting the buy-out sum.
Ramos joined the Madrid heavyweights in 2005 in a €27m move from Sevilla – and has gone on to win three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Supercopa de Espana.
The 29-year-old reached fifth in The Meringues’ all-time Champions League appearances list [via the club’s official website] – playing his 82nd game in the European competition versus Juventus in May, and has made over 400 appearances in total for the La Liga BBVA giants.
If Ramos leaves the Spanish capital in the summer window, his exit could be followed by Iker Casillas’ departure [via the Daily Mail] – as a number of the club’s biggest names appear unsettled – with Cristiano Ronaldo also said to be unhappy.