Sergio Ramos to Manchester United: Real Madrid defender 'only wants to go to Old Trafford'
Former Bernabeu president Ramon Calderon offers insight into one of the biggest transfer deals of the summer
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Your support makes all the difference.Sergio Ramos "only wants to go to Manchester United", the former president of Real Madrid has revealed.
Roman Calderon, who brokered deals for the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United and Arjen Robben from Chelsea during his spell as president of the Spanish club between 2006 and 2009, offered up his knowledge of what could be one of the biggest transfer deals of the summer.
Manchester United have lodged a bid of between £28.3m and £35m for the Spain international, which Real Madrid have in turn rejected.
The Independent has been reporting that Ramos has told Real Madrid to consider offers for his services and that he be allowed to leave the Bernabeu.
Calderon's comments confirm that.
"I know Sergio has told the general manager to listen to offers they get from Manchester United."
Adding: "He only wants to go to United."
In the early stages of the transfer wrangling there was speculation Ramos was simply posturing for an improved contract at the Bernabeu where he has two years to run on his current deal.
The Spanish club’s chairman Florentino Perez is known to have attempted to make a personal plea to the defender to dismiss thoughts of a move to Manchester in a phone call, however he was rebuffed by Ramos. Perez was reported to have said words to the effect of: ‘Go on holiday and we'll talk about it when you get back.’ The player is now holidaying in the United States.
Calderon does not think the situation can be resolved at Real Madrid.
"Things are in a very bad situation," he told the BBC. "As time has gone on, things have not only not improved, they have got worse.
"Now it is not a question of money. It is a lack of affection the player is feeling from Real Madrid."
United are nowhere near the £71m figure Madrid are letting it be known that they want for Ramos. Possibly in retaliation at Real Madrid's high valuation, United have insisted they want £32.6m for Real Madrid target David De Gea.
It is likely that Madrid’s interest in signing the goalkeeper may form part of future discussions over Ramos.
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