Manchester United have suffered a huge blow in their attempts to sign Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos after manager Rafael Benitez claimed he was “100%” confident the 29-years-old would remain at the Bernabeu.
Rafa Benitez is “100 per cent sure” Sergio Ramos will not leave @RealMadrid for @ManUtd: http://t.co/OfCstUFXEo pic.twitter.com/w1LR0gdZje
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 23, 2015
Earlier, the Spanish newspaper El Pais revealed that the Red Devils have launched a new improved bid €60m for the Spain international, whose contract with the Spanish club expires in the summer of 2017.
But now, Benitez has stated that any bid made by the English club to sign the versatile defender will be rejected. “For me, 100% [Ramos stays],” he said, according to Sky Sports. “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.”
However, Benitez appears coy regarding transfer deals, but this news brings the end of United’s pursuit of Ramos and will allow van Gaal to look somewhere to bolster the club’s defensive area.
