Add Sergio Ramos to the list of players rumored with a move to Manchester United. According to Starsport (via The Daily Star), United have told Real Madrid that any deal for David De Gea must involve their star center-back.
A senior club source said as much in the report.
"Sergio Ramos is someone we are interested in," the source said. "But the truth is, there will be no deal over David De Gea unless Sergio is allowed to join us."
Boosting United's hopes is the contract dispute Ramos finds himself in with Real Madrid. The 29-year-old is unhappy with the club for allowing his contract to run into the final two years. It should be of note, however, there is a £145 buyout clause in said contract and De Gea's value is no where near meeting that price tag.
Adding to the dilemma was Madrid's decision to sack manager Carlo Ancelotti following a trophyless campaign and appoint Rafa Benitez to the same position. The former Napoli boss left open the possibility to selling Ramos and any other player unwilling to buy into his philosophy.
"My technical team and I have been following and been in contact with the players," Benitez said. "Once we are all together, we will decide what is the best for the club and what is the best for each of them."
"They have to be happy on the pitch to give us the best of themselves."
Ramos joined Real from Sevilla in 2005 and has lifted three La Liga titles and the illustrious Decima—Madrid's 10th European title.
Still one of the game's most dominant center-backs, his value will now help shift the balance of power across multiple leagues. Should United miss out on Ramos, the club's defense will still lack the efficiency necessary to dethrone Chelsea and Madrid's title chase will be the beneficiary.
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