Lots of media stories today that Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in a deal that will see David de Gea head to the Bernabéu.
United have been down this road before, most recently with Cristiano Ronaldo, who used United’s interest to get an improved contract from the Spanish giants.
This has the feeling of the same sort of story as Ramos is upset that Madrid have allowed his contract to run down into its final two years without giving him a substantial pay increase. Reportedly Ramos wants wages of around €10 million a year and Real are offering €7 million.
The 29-year-old Ramos has won everything for both club and country, but he is said to be unhappy with the sacking of former coach Carlo Ancelotti.
While other defenders in Ramos’ position earn over €10m net (Thiago Silva, €12m, David Luiz €11m) Ramos lags behind the likes of John Terry and Gerard Pique in the pay stakes.
Barcelona presidential candidate Jord Majo claimed on Friday to have been offered the chance to sign Ramos and the player is also unhappy that there was no ‘hands-off’ message from Real Madrid.
Manchester United have been keen to take a Madrid player this summer as part of any deal for De Gea. Both Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo have been targets but such are the defensive shortcomings of the squad, Louis van Gaal is likely to welcome Ramos’ arrival even more.
I cannot see Real Madrid letting both Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos leave this summer. They are the heart and soul of the club.
But if they did, Ramos to United would be the signing of the summer. Add in the expected arrival of Valencia center half Nicolas Otamendi and suddenly United’s two central defenders, a weak spot last season, would suddenly become one of the strongest in the Premier League.
