Both Chelsea and Manchester City have entered the race, along with Manchester United – to sign Real Madrid centre-back, Sergio Ramos.
The Spanish international, who has two-years remaining at the Bernabeu, has seen talks over a new deal breakdown, after Madrid refused to match his wage demands of £10m- a year.
Now seemingly unsettled in the Spanish capital, Madrid are now willing to part ways with their Spanish international, who is set to be among a number of first-team players to leave this summer, as new manager Rafael Benitez looks to overhaul his playing squad.
Reports in Spain suggest that Manchester United are the front-runners, in the race for his signature, and are willing to pay around £20m to take Ramos to Old Trafford.
United are on the lookout for a central defender, with doubts raised over current centre-backs, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
However, there could be a stumbling block to any proposed deal in the making, as Real value the player at the £50m mark.
Manchester City are willing to hijack a deal from their city-rivals, and are more than keen to match Madrid’s asking price, as they prepare a summer deal.
Should neither of the above get their man, then Jose Mourinho, who worked with Ramos at Madrid, could swoop to sign him for title-holders Chelsea.
At 29-years-old, Ramos is one of the experienced members in Madrid’s dressing room, having been at Real for ten years. He made 46 appearances in all competitions last term, and is apparently open to a move.
by Ben Reardon