Manchester United have ordered Sergio Ramos to force through a Real Madrid exit.
Marca state that the Red Devils have opted for a new transfer strategy in their desire to sign the Spain international. According to the Spanish newspaper, United have allegedly told the 29-year-old that if he is serious in his wish to swap the Santiago Bernabeu for Old Trafford – he must hand in a transfer request.
The report suggests that the Premier League heavyweights may be struggling in their pursuit of the centre-back – who, as reported by the International Business Times, has a price-tag of €90m (£63.6m) – and this could be considered a last attempt by United to clinch his signature.
Publicly stating his desire to leave the Spanish capital would surely leave president Florentino Perez with no option but to negotiate a possible exit with Ramos, and could turn supporters against their vice-captain.
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As Marca state, reports continue to claim that the former Sevilla star is desperate to leave Los Blancos this summer; however, such a statement remains uncertain – particularly given the player himself hasn’t commented on his future and has appeared in Real’s pre-season clashes against AS Roma and Manchester City thus far.
New Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez recently voiced his belief that Ramos was 100% certain to reject interest from Louis van Gaal:
“Sergio will be staying with us,” as quoted by BBC Sport.
“For me, 100%.
“I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. He’s a key player for us.”
Following the exit of Iker Casillas, it was said that Ramos is the likely player to take over the captain’s armband next season [via the Independent].