Sergio Ramos to Manchester United: Rafa Benitez '100 per cent' certain defender will stay at Real Madrid

A bid for the Spain international has been rejected

Sergio Ramos (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United's hopes of signing Sergio Ramos appear to have regressed a little further with Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez speaking openly about his confidence that the defender will remain at Real Madrid.

United have already seen a bid for the Spain international rejected but retain hope of signing Ramos, particularly with Real Madrid's interest in David De Gea giving them a strong bargaining position.

Ramos himself is understood to be keen on the move but is expected to have face-to-face talks with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez next week during which it's quite possible he will resolve to remain at the Bernabeu.

Benitez is confident that Ramos will stay.

“Sergio Ramos is our player and he is a key player for us” he said. “I would like to see him at the beginning of the season playing for us. I think he will be crucial for us during the season.

“I am 100 percent. I insist it’s clear for me and for the club that Sergio will be here. I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal and football is a curious world, but Sergio Ramos will stay with us.”

Manchester United are also keen on Nicolas Otamendi as Van Gaal looks to strengthen his defence.