Sergio Ramos: Manchester United pursuit ends as Real Madrid secure Spain defender on new contract

Red Devils mist now turn their attentions elsewhere

(Getty)

Manchester United's pursuit of Sergio Ramos has finally come to an end with the Spain defender set to sign a new contract at Real Madrid.

The 29-year-old informed José Ángel Sánchez, Madrid's chief executive, that he wanted to leave Spain to join Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, only to perform a U-turn after further talks with the club in Guangzhou, China late last month.

According to the Guardian, Ramos has now accepted the fact that Real will not sell him under any circumstances and is prepared to sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabéu.

United have failed with two bids for the Spaniard in recent months but a new five-year deal, paying around €9m (£6.42m) a year after tax, has tempted Ramos to stay in his homeland.

Despite having the financial muscle to offer improved terms, the Red Devils were always sceptical that a deal could be struck after qualifying for the Champions League, subsequently becoming direct rivals with the La Liga giants.

Florentino Pérez, the Madrid president, refused to lose the defender and offered to make him captain after the departure of Iker Casillas to Porto this summer.

David de Gea is expected to leave Manchester United this summer (Getty Images)

United attempted to force Real into selling Ramos if they had any intention of signing goalkeeper David de Gea, but those plans now appear to be in ruin after the 24-year-old said he wanted to leave England.

The deal is expected to be finalised and signed in the coming seven days meaning Van Gaal will now have to set his sights elsewhere before the closure of the summer transfer window.