Sergio Ramos to Manchester United: Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez 'optimistic' defender will stay at Real

Ramos set to begin discussions over new contract

Sergio Ramos pictured on the plane to Australia during Real's pre-season tour (twitter.com/realmadrid)

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez says he is "optimistic" that Sergio Ramos will stay at the club this summer, and not move to Manchester United.

The Spain defender Ramos has been linked with a move to United, but former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez says that Real president Florentino Perez has told him he is holding talks with Ramos over extending his deal at the Bernabeu.

United had an initial £28m offer for Ramos rejected and in an attempt to persuade Real Madrid to let the defender leave agreed to include David de Gea in negotiations between the two sides.

Ramos's current deal expires in June 2017.

"I spoke to the president during Sunday's lunch and he told me that he was going to talk with Ramos," Benitez said.

"I asked both of them and the two were optimistic. We shall see."

Benitez refused to comment on speculation about United goalkeeper De Gea, who has just one year remaining on his contract.