Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has discussed the possibility of Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos moving to Old Trafford this summer.
In predictable style, the former Netherlands boss remains tight-lipped on revealing if there is any truth to the transfer speculation, but suggests that negotiations could be taking place in describing the rumours involving the Spain international as an ongoing ‘process’:
“I cannot talk about these rumours,” as quoted by Sky Sports.
“I have said already it’s a process and maybe Mr Ramos is in the process – you never know.”
On Sunday, Spanish football expert Sid Lowe told talkSPORT that Ramos is still intent on leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, and is itching for the Red Devils to clinch his signature this summer.
United have had a £35m rejected for the 29-year-old and, in reports cited by the Mirror, the Premier League heavyweights are said to be preparing an improved offer of £41.8m – but they will refuse to go any higher than this figure.
At the end of June, Los Blancos warned van Gaal that Ramos carries a price-tag of £65m [via the Daily Mail]; however, with reports of a final £41.8m bid, it seems that the Dutchman is not entertaining the La Liga BBVA giants’ valuation.
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In addition to commenting on the Ramos rumours, van Gaal also caused considerable excitement in claiming that the club are locked in talks with a surprise striker – one who has not been mentioned by the press:
“He’s in the process,” as quoted by The Guardian.
“It’s not the striker that the media has written about. You have to wait and see. The transfer period is open until August 31. You have to wait.”
Among the forwards that United have been linked with are Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller [via International Business Times], Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani [via Daily Star] and Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke [via Daily Star].