Real Madrid Transfer News: Sergio Ramos Contract Close, David De Gea Rumours

Sergio Ramos is poised to sign a contract extension with Real Madrid, a decision that will end speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Spanish centre-back's future has continued to drum up headlines throughout the transfer window, a situation amplified by Madrid's attempts to sign United goalkeeper David De Gea. Although Marca (h/t Kieran Gill of the MailOnline) reported Ramos' desire to leave, it seems a meeting with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has unearthed this isn't true.

Tom Conn of Inside Spanish Football detailed Marca's latest report:

"

Sergio and Rene (Ramos' brother and agent) explained to Real Madrid sporting director Jose Angel Sanchez that his desire was to retire with the club, which they then reiterated to Florentino Perez.

Florentino, not previously realising the gravity of his refusal to accept Ramos’ wage demands, apologised for the misunderstanding and agreed to renew the contract of the club’s future captain.

"

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Conn's article stated "all agreed on a contract extension" once the details were spoken through. Conn continued by writing, "after the meeting in China, the two sides resolved all misunderstandings and will now move forward with the extension, making Ramos one of the highest-paid players on the team."

Rafael Hernandez reported the latest from Marca on De Gea's situation:

Madrid recently signed Kiko Casilla to replace Iker Casillas, so they're not short of quality between the sticks. Keylor Navas deserves a shot as No. 1 if De Gea isn't signed this summer, even if he's likely to be pushed away when the Spaniard inevitably departs United.

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Gill suggested United have "lost hope" over keeping De Gea, who has failed to ink the £200,000-per-week contract extension offered to him by the Premier League side. United don't especially need a transfer fee from his sale—especially as he is available on the cheap as he is in the final year of his contract—so can welcome the idea of De Gea moving for free next summer.

The 24-year-old's quality shone through during the recent pre-season win over Barcelona, a match in which he made a top save from Sergi Roberto. De Gea provided a snapshot of the quality that regularly aided United last term, helping them back to the Champions League.

United are seemingly prepared for De Gea's exit, underlined with the club's confirmation Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero has joined:

BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey imagined how the situation will progress:

At this point, it seems like Madrid are going to slowly get their way. Ramos signing a new contract would be a huge boost for Perez, new boss Rafa Benitez and everyone at the club. Although another season without De Gea is likely to disappoint, receiving one of the world's best goalkeepers on a free is fantastic business.

Madrid have enough goalkeeping talent to carry them through another year—Navas is unlikely to struggle as badly as Casillas did last term—so with a little patience, it seems as though everything is going to turn out well for the Spanish capital-based club.