Sergio Ramos transfer latest: Manchester United see hopes end as Real Madrid defender agrees new contract until 2020
Ramos is believed to have agreed a three-year extension that runs until 202 despite United wanting to sign him this summer
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United will not sign Sergio Ramos this summer after the Real Madrid defender agreed a new contract with the club that will run until 2020.
United mounted a stern pursuit of the centre-back in the belief that he wanted to leave the club, with his relationship with Real president Florentino Perez believed to be at an all-time low following the treatment and sale of club legend Iker Casillas.
Louis van Gaal has made it no secret that he wants to strengthen his defence following a string of injuries and dips in form last season, and Ramos had been sounded out as the world class reinforcement that would continue the Dutchman’s squad revamp this summer.
But Real refused to sell Ramos, whose contract was due to expire in 2017, and Spanish newspaper Marca has reported that the dramatic U-turn is complete with Ramos agreeing to extend his deal by an additional three years which could see him end his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
United are believed to be furious with Ramos’ decision after believing he wanted to leave the club, and the likelihood of Van Gaal landing a defender of Ramos’ calibre before the transfer window closes is now very slim.
Perez wasted no time in trying to tie down Ramos’ future, as he met with the 2010 World Cup winner during Real’s pre-season tour of China in order to discuss the possible move. The talks proved successful for Real and Ramos, as the Spanish club get to keep their best defender while the 29-year-old is in line for a pay rise that will take him to around €9m (£6.3m) per season after tax, equating to roughly £240,000-a-week pre-tax.
Furthermore, Ramos will fulfil his duty of replacing Casillas as captain following his move to FC Porto, having been understudy to the goalkeeper last season. An official announcement is expected to be made before the new La Liga season gets underway on 21 August.
Real are still intent on signing United goalkeeper David De Gea this summer, although the prospect of the Premier League outfit selling their No 1 to the club that has just prevented them from landing their top transfer target is hugely unlikely. United face losing De Gea on a free transfer next summer, although it appears to be a risk that Old Trafford officials are willing to take as they remain adamant that the 24-year-old will remain with them this season.
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