Sergio Ramos runs on treadmill during La Liga suspension
Sergio Ramos’ imminent exit from Real Madrid has officially been confirmed. And, in the short time since, links to Manchester United have arisen. The Spain international has never hid his admiration for the Red Devils in the past and, as a free agent, could appeal to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Earlier in the week, Real Madrid confirmed the departure of Ramos with a brief statement on their website.
"Real Madrid announces that tomorrow, Thursday 17 June, at 12:30 pm, an act of tribute and farewell to our captain Sergio Ramos will be held, which will be attended by our president Florentino Perez,” they said.
"Sergio Ramos will then appear before the media in a virtual press conference."
Since then, United have inevitably been linked.
They did, after all, come close to signing Ramos back in the summer transfer window of 2015 - only to miss out after the veteran signed a new contract at the Bernabeu instead.
And, speaking in the aftermath, the four-time Champions League winner revealed he was flattered by interest from the Red Devils - who were managed by Louis van Gaal at the time.
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And they paid the price, finishing fifth in the Premier League table under Van Gaal and failing to qualify for the Champions League in the process.
Now, their name has been thrown into the race to land the 35-year-old - who has won every major trophy available to him throughout his glittering 16 years in Spain.
But United don’t appear to be interested in the veteran this time around, instead placing their eggs in the Raphael Varane basket.
Varane is seen as the ideal defensive partner for Harry Maguire, especially with the likes of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly struggling for consistency last term.
And United also have other targets in mind for different areas of their squad, too.
Solskjaer’s side are keen to snap up Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, though his £43million price tag could cause problems.
Man Utd transfer news: Sergio Ramos won the lot at Real Madrid (Image: GETTY)
In midfield, Declan Rice is being tracked amid his fine form for both West Ham and England.
And United remain locked in talks for the potential signing of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, who they’ve tried to sign three times in the past.
Meanwhile, Ramos’ old Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho thinks the Spain international can handle life in the Premier League - comparing him to Chelsea’s Thiago Silva.
“You look at Thiago Silva and he’s in a similar situation,” he said.
“He didn’t stay in Paris when people expected him to.
“He came to Chelsea, signed for one season with an option for one more, he didn’t play every match, he had a couple of little muscular issues, but he gave great stability in big matches.
Man Utd transfer news: Louis van Gaal wanted Sergio Ramos (Image: GETTY)
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“You can imagine how much he helped the team to develop and his leadership. I believe Ramos is in a similar situation.
“He is even more physical than Thiago to cope with the Premier League demands. He’s very good in the air.
“I have no doubts he can play with the intensity and demands of the Premier League.”
Mourinho also admitted he was surprised Ramos didn’t choose to end his career at Real Madrid.
“He’s the kind of player you expect to finish his career at Real Madrid,” the Special One added.