Sergio Ramos to Manchester United: Defender's mother says he wants to 'stay at Real Madrid'

The Spain international has been the subject of an official bid from Old Trafford

Sergio Ramos (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United have seemingly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Sergio Ramos after the player's mother suggested her son wanted to remain at Real Madrid.

The Spain international is the subject of a straight bid from Manchester United, with the exact figure understood to range somewhere between £28.3m and £35m.

The Independent understands that Ramos has told Real Madrid to consider offers for his services and that he be allowed to leave the Bernabeu.

However, the comments from his mother jar with the growing sense that the 29-year-old will move to the Premier League this summer.

After being stopped in her car by a reporter from Chiringuito TV, Paqui Garcia was asked if her son wanted to stay in Madrid, to which she replied: "Absolutely. At Madrid above all else."

When then asked about her son reportedly being interested in joining United, she replied: "No. I don't think so.

"He loves Spain."

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos (AFP)

In the early stages of the transfer wrangling there was uncertainty if Ramos was simply posturing for an improved contract at the Bernabeu where he has two years to run on his current deal. Despite his mother's comments, it's still thought the player is keen on joining Manchester United.

The Spanish club’s chairman Florentino Perez is known to have attempted to make a personal plea to the defender to dismiss thoughts of a move to Manchester in a phone call, however he was rebuffed by Ramos. Perez was reported to have said words to the effect of: ‘Go on holiday and we'll talk about it when you get back.’ The player is now holidaying in the United States.

United are nowhere near the £71m figure Madrid are letting it be known that they want for Ramos. Possibly in retaliation at Real Madrid's high valuation, United have insisted they want £32.6m for Real Madrid target David De Gea.

It is likely that Madrid’s interest in signing the goalkeeper may form part of future discussions over Ramos.