Ramos wants out

MADRID. — Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has told the club he wants to leave after falling out with its president Florentino Perez, the media reported yesterday, claiming Manchester United were interested in buying the player.

Sky sources understand there has been initial contact between Manchester United and Real Madrid over a potential Ramos transfer.

Widespread reports in the UK media have claimed that United have made an offer in the region of £35 million for Ramos, but it is still not clear whether the discussions have actually reached that stage yet.

Manchester United have, in fact, tested Real Madrid’s resolve to keep their unsettled defender Ramos with a bid of more than £30 million.

And Manchester United look set to complete the transfer of Ramos, after he reportedly collected his belongings from Real Madrid’s training ground.

Louis van Gaal is believed to have made a £35 million offer lure the World Cup winning defender to Old Trafford.

Ramos has told the Spanish giants he want to join United and collected his belongings from Madrid’s training complex after a meeting with managing director, Jose Angel Sanchez, according to reports in Spain.

United are thought to be considering including David de Gea in a deal for the 28-year-old, but would prefer a straight cash move.

United have been given further encouragement that Ramos is prepared to quit Real this summer with the sense that the 29-year-old not only feels under-valued but is no longer wanted.

United had expected to try and negotiate a straight swap deal involving goalkeeper David De Gea, who is wanted by Real, but appear to have decided that they will try and strike quickly and sign Ramos separately.

The Spain international met with Real officials on Wednesday morning and did not give the club any assurances that he wanted to stay.

That has helped United submit their bid. It may well be that during the course of talks the issue of including De Gea in a deal is raised but United are clear that they do not value Ramos — because of his age — at close the £46million that Real are expected to demand for him. And neither do they want to give Real De Gea and cash.

Spain’s major sporting and general dailies reported that Ramos met top club officials on Wednesday and asked them to listen to offers from other clubs.

Real have yet to renew Ramos’ current contract, which expires in 2017.

The 29-year-old is a hero at Real, having scored a decisive goal in the historic 10th European championship final victory last year.

But his tense relations with Perez have been widely reported. Ramos notably defended ex-coach Carlo Ancelotti who was fired by Perez last month.

Numerous rumours about salary demands and interest from other clubs have circulated over recent days.

Television footage showed Ramos driving into Real’s Valdebebas training ground on Wednesday for the reported meeting.

Leading sports newspaper Marca said Wednesday’s meeting “lowered the tension” but that no agreement was reached.

Various Spanish and British media said Manchester United had made an offer for Ramos, but neither club nor the player have commented publicly on the possible transfer.

Real Madrid are widely reported to be interested in signing United goalkeeper David de Gea, prompting speculation that a transfer of Ramos could form part of the deal.

Real Madrid are now ready to launch a £21 million raid for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

The La Liga giants have targeted the Frenchman following the breakdown in negotiations over a new deal for Ramos.

Manchester United have registered their interest in the Spain international who has two years left on his contract.

But Arsenal will fight to keep 29-year-old Koscielny who remains a key member of their defence and signed a new long-term contract last year.

The former Lorient centre-back moved to north London in 2010 and has become one of the best centre-backs in Europe in that time. — AFP.