Chelsea Transfer News: Sergio Ramos Set to Spark Manchester City Battle

Rumoured Chelsea target Sergio Ramos is being touted for a move to Manchester City in the Spanish press, suggesting a transfer battle could be on the horizon for the Real Madrid defender.

Ramos is linked to City by Spanish website El Chiringuito (via Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star), who suggests Chelsea will provide "stiff competition" for his signature. Malata indicates Manuel Pellegrini is "eager to sign" the Spaniard, despite purchasing Eliaquim Mangala from Porto during the summer.

Spanish outlet AS also report further details, suggesting Ramos could be due a major pay packet if he leaves the Bernabeu:

The 28-year-old joined Madrid from Sevilla in 2005. Despite a questionable attitude and penchant for pettiness, he is a top-quality defender whose physical attributes, aerial ability and ball-playing skills have made him key to Los Blancos' recent success.

Indeed, it was Ramos who scored the stoppage-time equaliser to send the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid into extra time, before Real captured La Decima. He also netted twice in the semi-final second leg against Bayern and is one of the side's most dangerous attackers from corners.

Bundesliga specialist Clark Whitney put the club's triumph down to Ramos' performances, not Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking year against lesser opposition:

Ramos was a distinguished right-back during the early stage of his career. Now a world-class centre-back, there are few in the game who can cover the two positions so easily.

Chelsea have plenty of options in defence and will certainly need to offload someone before a mega sum can be placed, such is the way of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. Jose Mourinho has previous experience with Ramos—having worked with him at the Bernabeu—but already has John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma and Tomas Kalas at his disposal.

Ramos is unlikely to accept anything less than a starting role, so it would be a smart option to sit alongside Cahill when Terry calls time on his career. At City, his potential partnership with Vincent Kompany could be world-beating, but it would make it difficult for Mangala to break into the side. 

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Rene Ramos, the player's brother and agent, recently suggested the World Cup winner won't leave the Spanish capital, despite confirmed interest from the Premier League. Malata reported his comments:

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Out of respect to the club I will only say that they are English. The offers are very, very big in economical terms, but we are at the club we want to be at. The best in the world. So, more than once, I had to say 'Thanks very much for your interest, but no.' I reiterate, right now, leaving Real Madrid is a non-starter.

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Sergio could make a difference at any club and is a natural leader at the back for Madrid. He has the quality and winning mentality to be a success in England, but the European champions rarely sell superstars who prop up their team.

Ramos would be a key signing to either side and is rightfully rated as one of the sport's best, but his association with Madrid is a heartfelt and genuine one.

Neither Premier League side need defensive reinforcements urgently enough to make this worthwhile, even if the player would significantly aid their hopes of silverware from the off.