Manchester United Transfer News: Fresh Sergio Ramos, Morgan Schneiderlin Rumours

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has made it abundantly clear that he wants to become a Manchester United player this summer, effectively ending any talk of a move to Manchester City.

As noted by the Daily Telegraph on Monday, the Red Devils’ local rivals have reportedly joined the race for the Spaniard’s signature.

But it seems that Ramos is intent on donning the iconic red and white of United next season, with Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Graham Hunter confirming that, at this point, Old Trafford is the defender’s preferred destination. He said to Sky Sports, per Marc Williams of the Daily Star:

"

He specifically wants them to begin negotiations with Manchester United and he doesn't want them to negotiate with anybody except Manchester United.

It is a very firm display of intention from Manchester United.

In Ramos they want someone who will form part of a firm spine of the team, who knows how to win, who has experience of winning, adding character and talent to what we saw was a regeneration under Louis van Gaal last season.

"

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According to Simon Stone of BBC Sport, the Red Devils have lodged a bid of £28.6 million for the 29-year-old defender, who feels as though he has become marginalised at the Santiago Bernabeu after some unprofitable contract negotiations, according to Williams’ piece. Ramos’ current deal with the Spanish giants runs until 2017.

Here’s a look at what the defender could potentially add to the United cause, per Sky Sports News HQ:

There’s no denying that this deal would be a major coup for the Red Devils. The central defensive positions were an area of perennial concern for manager Louis van Gaal last season and to secure someone of Ramos’ immense quality and experience would enrich the base of this team magnificently.

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But the Spaniard is one of those unique players who you couldn’t imagine in any club colours other than Los Blancos’. He’s been in the Spanish capital for 10 years now and has become an immensely popular figure to the Madridistas given the committed nature of his displays. Indeed, Sport Witness think there could be some underhand tactics at work here:

That shouldn’t prevent United from pursuing a deal, however. Clearly all is not well with Ramos at Madrid and the prospect of a new challenge would surely be enticing for a player that’s won the lot with Real.

But even with these most recent revelations considered, the Spaniard remains a fair way from becoming a Red Devil. It'll be intriguing to see just how Real respond to these latest reports; you suspect they will be doing their utmost to keep hold of a player that many expected to eventually lead this club to great things in the future.

Morgan Schneiderlin Training With Saints U21s

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Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is clearly not part of the club’s future plans, as the reported Manchester United target was summoned to train with club’s under-21 side on his return from pre-season.

That’s according to the Daily Mirror, which noted that the Frenchman is waiting to complete a £25 million move to Old Trafford and that it could be finalised within the next week.

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United may have to get their skates on if that is the case, however, with Saints boss Ronald Koeman insisting that the club have yet to receive any serious offer for the 25-year-old.

“We have the situation with Morgan Schneiderlin, we will have to wait what will happen. Until now, we have not a serious bid for him from Man United,” said the Dutchman, per per Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror. “We will wait, but OK—that’s business that normally starts from now. It’s no problem—it’s the first day.”

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Van Gaal has also been linked with a move for Bastian Schweinsteiger as he looks to add some steel to the Red Devils midfield, per Sky Sports. Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell took a look at which player would be a better fit for United:

While Schweinsteiger’s name commands a little more clout than the Frenchman's, in Schneiderlin the Red Devils would be getting a tremendous talent. The Southampton star was immaculate at the heart of his team’s midfield last season, showing the defensive instincts and passing artistry that was scarce at Old Trafford.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the defensive facet of Schneiderlin’s game is especially impressive:

While Koeman is insisting negotiations have yet to get started, all signs point to an imminent deal and for the Saints, the loss of their midfield general will be an extraordinary blow. But it’ll be to United’s major benefit as they look to build a side capable of challenging for major honours next season.

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In Schneiderlin, they have a player who seems ready to take his game on to another level too. He’s been a tremendous servant to Saints in his seven years on the South coast and the prospect of a new challenge playing alongside some world-class team-mates will serve as renewed motivation for this midfield dynamo.