Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on David De Gea, Sergio Ramos Rumours

Manchester United are holding firm on their stance that any deal involving David De Gea moving to Real Madrid will only be accepted if Los Blancos "offer a world-record £35 million or include [Sergio] Ramos."

So reports James Dickenson of the Express, who cited "Red Devils sources."

United boss Louis van Gaal left the Spaniard out of his matchday squad for the opening-day win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, opting instead to hand Sergio Romero his debut.

Neverthless, the Dutchman insisted after the match that he wants De Gea to stay:

The 24-year-old has one year left on his contract, and will be free to move to Madrid next season for nothing if Los Blancos are prepared to wait, which could explain their reluctance to meet United's valuation.

Sports writer Jonas Giaever understands why United are so desperate to keep De Gea, but admits they may be better off selling him:

However, he concedes:

This view is shared by Red Devils legend Bryan Robson. Per Dickenson's report, he likened it to the situation Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in when Real came knocking: 

"

You have to be a professional about it. It's like the Ronaldo situation. The club weren't prepared to release him for another year and he had to get his head round it.

Ronaldo went about it in a professional way, had a great season then got his dream move. If that's what David has to do, then that's what he has to do.

"

Should the transfer window slam shut with De Gea still a player at Old Trafford, expect the Spaniard to return to his position as United's No. 1 with Romero likely to feature in cup competitions only.

If the 'keeper does make the switch to the Bernabeu, don't expect Ramos to be heading the other way.

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

As Bleacher Report columnist Guillem Balague reports, the Spaniard looks set to sign a new deal with Los Blancos, eliminating the possibility of him being used in an exchange for De Gea.

According to Squawka, Ramos was Real's top-performing defender in La Liga last season, winning 68 per cent of his headed duels and 47 per cent of his tackles, while maintaining a 90 per cent passing accuracy.

The 29-year-old is understandably a target for United, whose back line is crying out for a player of real experience and quality.

With Ramos' broken down relationship with the Real Madrid board seemingly fixed, there is now an excellent chance he will finish his career in the Spanish capital.

This leaves a straight transfer as Real's only option for signing De Gea this summer.

So far, Los Blancos have been reluctant to stump up the cash despite the sale of Iker Casillas to Porto.

If Madrid are content to play the waiting game and snap up De Gea next summer, then United fans will get to enjoy one more season of the Spaniard's heroics in goal.

However, don't rule out a large, late bid from the Spanish giants as the end of the window draws nearer.