Despite Real Madrid standing firm over his wages, it seems Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be bolstering his defensive ranks by signing Sergio Ramos on a free transfer this summer.
There appears to be a stumbling block over wages as the veteran defender, who turns 35 in March, is currently engaged in talks with his employers over a contract extension, which could allow the Red Devils to step in and sign Ramos on a free transfer ahead of what could be the final few years of his tremendously successful career.
Although Ramos’ current pay packet would no doubt be one of the highest at the club, the absence of a transfer fee could likely tempt Ed Woodward into offering the erstwhile defender a short-term deal.
Spanish outlet Grand Hotel Calciomercato have reported that United are considering a two-year contract offer for Ramos as Los Blancos try to reduce their wage budget due to the ongoing pandemic. The Spain international is reportedly looking to retain his current wage of £13.4m per season until the summer of 2024, Real have offered £11.1m per season until the summer of 2023.
The defender said after they secured La Liga glory in July:
“I’ll be here as many years as the President wants me to be here for. It doesn’t depend on me.
“I’m delighted here and I want to end my career. I hope I can retire here.”
Meanwhile, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly not expecting any major additions during the January window, having said earlier this week:
“I think the signings we made in the summer strengthened the squad really well.
“Good signings, good characters, good players. January is always difficult but if something comes up you think is a long-term target anyway that’s another scenario.
“But not many teams would like to lose their players in January, so it’s unlikely something will happen on the inside. There might be two or three going out because, one, they deserve to play football, for their own good and for their own careers.”