This would be the surprise of the summer
With Real Madrid stepping up their pursuit of Manchester United keeper David de Gea, the Premier League club have decided to do a little unsettling of their own by indicating their interest in defender Sergio Ramos.
The 29-year-old Spain centre-half has just two years remaining on a contract that pays him €6million net and talks appear to have stalled over extending his stay at the Bernabeu.
While news of United's interest may indeed be little more than a ruse to improve Ramos's negotiating position,
the Guardian is reporting that 'there have been significant hints of a tension between the player and the club, encouraging United in their pursuit'.
Ramos has a buyout clause of €180million but given the player's contract status a much lower fee would be involved in any proposed deal, particularly if United push for his signing as a condition to ensure a smooth move in the other direction for De Gea.
Madrid's initial bid, reportedly around £13million, has been rejected but Los Blancos are certain to return with an improved bid. And regardless of whether they will actually follow through and sign Ramos, United seem set on making Real sweat before letting De Gea move back to his homeland.
