Real Madrid have moved to end speculation regarding Sergio Ramos‘s potential transfer to Manchester United this summer by offering him the club captaincy, Mirror Sport reports.
Following the departure of legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas [via BBC Sport], the captain’s armband will become available and Ramos would be first in line to assume the role given that he is the club’s vice-captain.
Should he accept the invitation to skipper arguably the most famous football club in the world, it’s likely to bring an end to the rumours that he will be making a move to the Barclays Premier League this summer.
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This would serve as a bitter blow to United manager Louis van Gaal, who has made no secret of his plans to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign.
After completing the triple signings of Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger over the past few days [via Mail Sport], more arrivals are expected at Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on September 1.
At least one new central defender and striker are thought to be on van Gaal’s wish list and, after being rejected by Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels towards the end of last season [via Manchester Evening News], the Dutchman appeared to have turned his attention to luring Ramos away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Various media outlets, including Guardian Sport, reported United’s genuine interest in the Spain defender last month, and it was also claimed they would be willing to include goalkeeper David De Gea in any potential deal.
Whilst De Gea’s return to Madrid has continued to stall in recent weeks, United made an £28.6m bid for Ramos just before the transfer window opened [via Sky Sports].
After that bid was rejected by Madrid it would appear that this drawn out transfer saga is drawing to an end, as the 29-year-old’s intentions will be clear when he makes a decision on the captaincy offer.