Manchester United tell Real Madrid of Sergio Ramos interest

Manchester United have told Real Madrid that should they wish to sign David de Gea, then they want to sign central defender Sergio Ramos.

United have been linked with Nicolas Otamendi and Mats Hummels, of Valencia and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Both players would represent significant upgrades on the hapless Phil Jones, unconvincing Chris Smalling, the decaying Jonny Evans and Marcos Rojo, who has yet to fully adapt to the Premier League. It is believed Otamendi is more willing to force a move to United than Hummels, but Hummels is the preferred option for Louis van Gaal.

However, according to Sid Lowe writing in the Guardian, United have made it clear they are willing to exploit the tension between Ramos and Real Madrid (see this story in AS saying Ramos wishes to leave) as they try to both strengthen their defensive options and also negotiate a tougher deal with Real, who have offered a low £13 million pounds in their first offer for De Gea.