Manchester United Transfer News: Sergio Ramos Sale Ruled out by Rafa Benitez

New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez sees Sergio Ramos as "integral" to his plans and has reiterated that Manchester United will not be able to prise the defender away from the Bernabeu.

United continue to be linked with the World Cup-winning defender, and on Thursday, E.F. Abascal of AS reported the club would launch a final offer of €60 million (approx. £41.9 million) for his services. However, Abascal noted the Spanish club "won't talk" for less than €90 million (£62.8 million).

Benitez's latest comments add to the feeling Ramos will still be a Madrid player next season. "There is a lot of talk about his situation," said the boss, reported by FourFourTwo. "For me he is an enormous professional. He applies himself and does everything that the team and I ask. The president has already commented that he is staying with the club."

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

The former Liverpool tactician continued by outlining Ramos' importance to Madrid's plans: "I have spoken to him at length in the summer about his ideas and his future. I see Sergio as an integral part of our team. He is a winner and that is what we need in our team."

These potentially key comments arrive after Spanish publication Marca underlined how pivotal Ramos is to Madrid's defence, tweeted via B/R UK:

United boss Louis van Gaal has already added Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin to his squad this summer. A centre-back leader is desperately needed, particularly with numbers dwindling if Jonny Evans completes his reported £8 million move to Everton, per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian.

Chris Smalling showed real signs of improvement toward the end of last season, underlined by Van Gaal giving him the captain's armband for the Premier League game against Arsenal in May.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The same can't be said for Phil Jones, who continues to stumble on the potential he outlined as a youngster with Blackburn Rovers. Marcos Rojo has adapted adequately to the Premier League, but he needs a physical game-reader alongside his pace if he's to take on a centre-back role.

Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi continues to be touted as an alternative to Ramos. Will Giles of Metro noted he was left out of the Spanish club's recent kit launch, despite being one of the team's best players last season.

Spanish newspaper Marca (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Express) previously suggested Otamendi is refusing to train with the coastal side in an attempt to force through a transfer to Old Trafford. He would be an excellent alternative to Ramos and is someone who could quickly adapt to the combative nature of the Premier League.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently offered his thoughts on whether Ramos will join United:

Ramos' future may now depend on the player himself. He hasn't publicly stated his desire to stay or leave, so could dictate the transfer if he commits either way. With a new contract likely in the offing and potential interest continuing to swirl, it's possible he'll remain quiet in order to gain the best possible terms.

Otamendi is a more-than-ready alternative and someone who could become a hero in Manchester. United supporters love a fighter—think Roy Keane and Nemanja Vidic—and will be hoping to see added grit and steel take residency in their back line next season.