Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez says both club president Florentino Perez and Manchester United target Sergio Ramos are optimistic of their stand-off coming to a positive conclusion.
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There have been speculations on a large sum of money that Madrid reportedly wanted to gain for them to give up Ramos and United have been more than happy to show just how much they wanted to get the defender.
“I spoke to the president at lunch on Sunday and he told me that he hoped to speak with Ramos”, the new Blancos boss told reporters after Monday’s 3-0 friendly win over Inter. Sergio is one of the best at his position and Real Madrid would have been in big trouble if he had departed – two of the biggest icons leaving in one summer was going to be devastating for the chemistry of the club. We changed players, and those who remained on the pitch were more exhausted as you would expect.
Manchester United reportedly feel “betrayed” over the Sergio Ramos saga. “Florentino, not previously realising the gravity of his refusal to accept Ramos’ wage demands, apologised for the misunderstanding and agreed to renew the contract of the club’s future captain”.
The Valencia defender has been on United’s radar and journalist Duncan Castles believes Louis van Gaal could launch a bid.
“I think competition is always good for goalkeepers”. The 27-year-old can be considered someone United are keeping on the back-burner until confirmation of Ramos’ new contract is presented.
The Premier League side are preparing for the exit of Angel Di Maria, reported Simon Stone of BBC Sport. “We need players with attitude and he has that”.
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When asked whether he was absolutely certain the centre-half would stay, Benitez said: “For me, 100 per cent. I have to protect the interests of the club”.
