The Sergio Ramos transfer saga appears to have taken another complicated turn

Every summer there's a transfer story that just runs and runs.

Sergio Ramos is the 2015 edition. The Real Madrid defender reportedly told the club he wants to leave, and only wants to join Manchester United. Sources in Spain said the relationship between Ramos and Madrid has broken down, due a failure to offer the player an improved contract, despite entering the final 24 months of his deal, a stage Madrid rarely allow first team players reach before offering new terms. Since then, not a lot has happened. United reportedly told Madrid that they will only sell them long-term transfer target David de Gea if they sell Ramos, but otherwise, it's been quiet and both teams are currently on their pre-season tours. However, Spanish football expert Sid Lowe tonight revealed there could be a end in sight for the Ramos saga. The Guardian's Spanish football correspondent wrote this evening that the defender, and his agent, will meet with Madrid President Florentio Perez this weekend on the Chinese leg of the club's pre-season tour. In what could be an attempt to smooth damaged relations. According to Lowe: "Sources at the Bernabéu have not ruled out offering Ramos an improved contract, although that would represent a significant break from their position going back more than a year.

A new offer does not necessitate meeting in China but it would reflect the urgency of the situation and Madrid’s desire to be seen doing everything they can to keep their captain. Ramos does not intend to back down. If this ends with a new contract, it will not be because that was his goal but because it became unavoidable. He will reiterate his desire to leave, insisting there is no turning back and that he wants only to join United, but he knows that if Madrid refuse to sell, he will have to stay."

This could be political manoeuvring by Real, to cover themselves, and make it seem as though they're doing all they can to keep their club captain. The club already allowed Iker Casillas to leave, and letting Ramos join United could turn out to be bad PR for Madrid. Either way, the situation should become clearer over the next few days. H/T The Guardian.