Bad news, Manchester United fans.
Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is insistent that Sergio Ramos will not be joining Manchester United during the current transfer window.
United’s pursuit of the Spanish defender has been known for some time and is directly linked to Real Madrid’s interest in David de Gea, with United insisting that De Gea will not be allowed join the Spanish giants unless Ramos is allowed to go in the other direction.
Louis van Gaal hinted at a United move for Ramos again during the club’s tour of the US this week, but Benitez moved to clarify his and Real’s position ahead of their friendly with Manchester City in Australia tomorrow.
Asked if Ramos would be staying at Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports, Benitez said: “For me, 100 per cent. I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. Football is a curious world, but Ramos will be staying.
“I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will be staying with us. He is our player, our captain. I would like to see him at the beginning of the season, because he’s a key player for us.”
Asked about David de Gea, Benitez responded: “It’s very simple, De Gea is not our player so nothing to say about him.”
As Benitez said himself, football is a curious world and we wouldn’t be hugely surprised if there’s another twist in this particular tale before the close of the transfer window, but for now at least, it looks as if both players could be staying put.
