Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Sergio Ramos, Victor Valdes Rumours

Real Madrid have named Manchester United target Sergio Ramos as the club's new captain after the departure of long-time servant Iker Casillas.

This "could spell the end" of United's hunt for the dominant centre-back, who also confirmed his presence on Madrid's pre-season tour of Australia, tweeted by his team-mate Jese Rodriguez, reported by Marca (h/t Adam Skinner of the Express):

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal will turn his attention toward Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi instead, according to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star. Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes—who brokered United's deals to sign Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao last summer—has been brought in by Otamendi's representative to find the best deal for his client.

Hetherington notes Old Trafford is the "most likely destination."

However, Mendes will also explore possible avenues toward Manchester City and Chelsea, two clubs who possess stacked defensive units. United are certainly in greater need and must find a talkative, physically dominant leader to prop up their backline.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Whoever arrives may appear in front of goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who doesn't want to pursue a move to Turkey, according to his agent. AS (h/t Simon Jones of the MailOnline) quoted Gines Carvajal, Valdes' representative: "I’ve been contacted by a series of individuals from Turkey to negotiate a move for Victor. But I haven’t spoken with the president of the Turkish club in question. I don’t know him. I have no plans to talk with them again as my player has no interest in a move to Antalyaspor."

Carvajal indicates Valdes' "only wishes are to remain at Manchester United." The former Barcelona stopper "is keen to fight for a place next season and wants to help the club as much as he can," concluded his agent.

United No.1 David De Gea—whose potential deal to join Madrid has "gone quiet," reported by Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News—has been included in the English side's pre-season tour of the United States, per the club's Twitter feed:

Eagle-eyed readers will see Valdes and right-back Rafael are missing.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

This may be the best indicator of how Van Gaal views their United futures ahead of the upcoming season. The experienced boss is aiming to quickly build a squad who can compete with the best and won't hesitate to eliminate those who aren't needed.

Despite Valdes' desire to stay, there's not much use for him at the Theatre of Dreams if De Gea is destined to remain with the club.