Real Madrid will turn to Nicolas Otamendi or Leo Bonucci if Sergio Ramos leaves
Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos have broken off contract talks and the club are looking at two possible replacements: Juventus's Leonardo Bonucci and Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi.
SPORT revealed several days ago the problems regarding negotiations over Ramos's new deal, with his current terms expiring in 2017. Rene Ramos, the player's brother and agent, has been using his contacts to offer the defender to various clubs, including some of the candidates to be the next Barcelona president.
It should not be discarded that from here, Madrid close the signing of either Otamendi or Bonucci, taking the initiative and putting Ramos on the market to finance an operation. The Seville man's release clause is 150 million euros.
Manchester United want him
One of the most interested clubs in Ramos is Manchester United, who are prepared to pay what Madrid will not. The English club are offering 12 million euros per season, double what he currently earns. They are also interested in Otamendi, who has expressed a desire to leave Valencia.
However, if Madrid sign the Argentine, Ramos could move to Old Trafford. David de Gea could also enter into the talks, the goalkeeper who Madrid have already offered close to 30 million euros for. Other clubs who could be interested in Ramos are PSG, Manchester City and Chelsea. A reunion with Jose Mourinho would not be crazy.
Ramos is looking to increase his salary at Madrid, but they are not budging. That is why he has been soliciting offers from other clubs. "We were offered him a month and a half ago roughly. I don't know if anyone else was [offered Ramos]. But we are not going to play that game; we will not be a reason for him and his brother to increase their pay at Real Madrid. If another candidate has been offered him and accepted, that's their problem, but we totally ruled it out," said Jordi Majo, a candidate to be Barça's next president.
Florentino Perez is making other plans. Otamendi, who is 27, wants to leave Valencia and Madrid or United look like his best bets. His clause is 50 million euros, while Los Blancos are also preparing an offer of around 30 million euros for Bonucci, 28, although that may not be enough to tempt Juve into selling the Italian international.
